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. 2024 Sep 11;21(9):1203.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph21091203.

Long-Term Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life Following Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Yuval Krieger  1 , Mai Ofri  2 , Gali Sagi  3 , Hila Moshe-Noach  3 , Pnina Raiden  3 , Yaron Shoham  1 , Amiram Sagi  1 , Anat Reiner Benaim  3 , Eldad Silberstein  1
Affiliations

Long-Term Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life Following Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Yuval Krieger et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

This study investigates the long-term efficacy of carpal tunnel release surgery (CTR) on patient outcomes. We aimed to assess symptom severity, functional limitations, and quality of life in a large cohort (n = 186) at least five years post-surgery via a retrospective cross-sectional design that evaluated participants using the validated Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) over a phone interview. The BCTQ measures symptom severity, functional limitations, and quality of life specific to carpal tunnel syndrome. Seventy-three percent (73.1%) of patients reported complete resolution of symptoms and functional limitations (BCTQ = 1) with an average follow-up of 11 years. No statistically significant decline in BCTQ scores was observed over time. Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between poorer outcomes and older age at surgery and current unemployment. Carpal tunnel release surgery demonstrates long-term effectiveness in relieving symptoms and improving function in most patients. These findings contribute to the understanding of CTR's impact on patient well-being beyond short-term outcomes.

Keywords: BCTQ; carpal tunnel release surgery; carpal tunnel syndrome; functional limitations; hand function; long-term outcomes; quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mean BCTQ score, by years since surgery (The blue liner represents the mean BCTQ score value while the Gray zone represents the 95% confidence interval).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Proportion of patients with BCTQ score = 1 and BCTQ score > 1, by years since surgery.
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