Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is widely accepted as an effective surgical treatment method for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. While the short-term literature is well substantiated, the “long-term” literature has rarely exceeded 2 years of follow-up, which may be inadequate for a chronic and potentially recurring disease such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Methods
An English language literature search for long-term outcomes research on carpal tunnel release was made. Long-term is defined as 2 years or more after surgery.
Results
CTR is a highly effective procedure, but important aspects remain poorly understood, including recurrence and existing electromyographic data. Some study design issues exist with the current literature.
AtroshiIHoferMLarssonGU. Open compared with 2-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a 5-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. J Hand Surg Am.2009;34:266–72.
2.
BrownRAGelbermanRHSeilerJG3rd. Carpal tunnel release. A prospective, randomized assessment of open and endoscopic methods. J Bone Joint Surg Am.1993;75:1265–75.
3.
Buch-JaegerNFoucherG. Correlation of clinical signs with nerve conduction tests in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Br.1994;19:720–4.
4.
CelloccoPRossiCBizzarriF. Mini-open blind procedure versus limited open technique for carpal tunnel release: a 30-month follow-up study. J Hand Surg Am.2005;30:493–9.
5.
CresswellTRHeras-PalouCBradleyMJ. Long-term outcome after carpal tunnel decompression—a prospective randomised study of the Indiana Tome and a standard limited palmar incision. J Hand Surg Eur.2008;33:332–6.
6.
DahlinLBSaloMThomsenN. Carpal tunnel syndrome and treatment of recurrent symptoms. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg.2010;44:4–11.
7.
ErhardLOzalpTCitronN. Carpal tunnel release by the Agee endoscopic technique. Results at 4 year follow-up. J Hand Surg Br.1999;24:583–5.
8.
FerdinandRDMacLeanJG. Endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release in bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. A prospective, randomised, blinded assessment. J Bone Joint Surg Br.2002;84:375–9.
9.
FinestoneHMWoodburyGMCollaviniT. Severe carpal tunnel syndrome: clinical and electrodiagnostic outcome of surgical and conservative treatment. Muscle Nerve.1996;19:237–9.
10.
HankinsCLBrownMGLopezRA. A 12-year experience using the Brown two-portal endoscopic procedure of transverse carpal ligament release in 14,722 patients: defining a new paradigm in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Plast Reconstr Surg.2007;120:1911–21.
11.
HauptWFWintzerGSchopA. Long-term results of carpal tunnel decompression. Assessment of 60 cases. J Hand Surg Br.1993;18:471–4.
12.
JacobsenMBRahmeH. A prospective, randomized study with an independent observer comparing open carpal tunnel release with endoscopic carpal tunnel release. J Hand Surg Br.1996;21:202–4.
13.
KabutoYSendaMHashizumeH. Time course changes of nerve conduction velocity in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome after endoscopic surgery. Acta Med Okayama.2001;55:185–91.
14.
KatzJNFosselKKSimmonsBP. Symptoms, functional status, and neuromuscular impairment following carpal tunnel release. J Hand Surg Am.1995;20:549–55.
15.
KatzJNKellerRBSimmonsBP. Maine Carpal Tunnel Study: outcomes of operative and nonoperative therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome in a community-based cohort. J Hand Surg Am.1998;23:697–710.
KulickMIGordilloGJavidiT. Long-term analysis of patients having surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am.1986;11:59–66.
18.
NancollasMPPeimerCAWheelerDR. Long-term results of carpal tunnel release. J Hand Surg Br.1995;20:470–4.
19.
NolanWB3rdAlkaitisDGlickelSZ. Results of treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am.1992;17:1020–3.
20.
PensyRABurkeFDBradleyMJ. A 6-year outcome of patients who cancelled carpal tunnel surgery. J Hand Surg Eur.2011;36:642–7.
21.
SchlagenhauffREGlasauerFE. Pre- and postoperative electromyographic evaluations in the carpal tunnel syndrome. J Neurosurg.1971;35:314–9.
22.
SempleJCCargillAO. Carpal-tunnel syndrome. Results of surgical decompression. Lancet.1969;1:918–9.
23.
TrumbleTEDiaoEAbramsRA. Single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release compared with open release: a prospective, randomized trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am.2002;84-A:1107–15.
