Preoperative predictors of patient satisfaction after carpal tunnel release

Abstract

Background: We investigated preoperative factors among demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as psychological factors that influence postoperative patient satisfaction, with the goal of assisting preoperative patient consultation for CTR.

Materials and methods: We included 92 hands from 60 patients diagnosed with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. We selected the following factors as possible preoperative predictors for patient satisfaction: age, sex, duration of symptoms, static two-point discrimination, the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, grip strength, electrophysiological category and scores for the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, the Pain Anxiety Symptoms scale and the Center for the Epidemiological Study of Depression scale. We used a cumulative logit model with generalized estimation equations to identify the predictors of patient satisfaction after CTR.

Results: Univariate analyses demonstrated significant correlations of patient satisfaction with age, preoperative grip power and preoperative CES-D. Multivariate analyses showed that age and preoperative CES-D scores were significantly correlated with patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: Age and depression level were preoperative predictors influencing satisfaction after CTR.

Levels of evidence: IV.

Keywords: Age; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Depression; Patient satisfaction; Predictor.