Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including details on symptoms, causes, trauma, diagnosis, physiotherapy.

A prospective assessment of carpal tunnel surgery with respect to age.

Wilgis EF, Burke FD, Dubin NH, Sinha S, Bradley MJ

The Curtis National Hand Center, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA. anne.mattson@medstar.net

Six hundred and thirty five carpal tunnel decompressions in 490 patients were studied prospectively in two hand surgery centres to assess the effect of increasing age on the outcome after surgery. The outcome was assessed using the Levine-Katz carpal tunnel questionnaire, Tinel's sign, Phalen's test, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and pinch and grip strengths. Assessments were made pre-operatively, at 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Information was also sought concerning co-morbid conditions. Cases were divided into four groups (less than 40 years of age, 40 to 60, 61 to 80, and over 80 years of age). Patients improved significantly in all age groups after carpal tunnel surgery. Despite a relatively high number of co-morbidities, older patients had an acceptable complication rate and their improvement was comparable to all other age groups.

Published 3 July 2006 in J Hand Surg [Br], 31(4): 401-6.
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