Surgical outcome of open carpal tunnel release: A 2-year case series study at Zliten Teaching Hospital, Libya

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most commonly diagnosed peripheral neuropathy, with a prevalence of 1 &ndash; 16% within the general population. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent dysfunctionality and disability. This study aimed to determine the outcomes and complications associated with open carpal tunnel release surgery (OCTR), compare the presentation of CTS symptoms before and after the operation, and investigate the factors contributing to post-operative complications. To achieve these objectives, a case series design was employed, and the study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology in Zliten Teaching Hospital, Libya, from January 2016 to December 2018. A total of 256 patients who had opted to undergo OCTR of the transverse carpal ligament during the preoperative stage were enrolled and prospectively followed up for 2 years. The post-operative follow-up analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in symptoms such as dull aching discomfort in the hand and forearm, as well as paresthesia and numbness when compared to the pre-operative period (10.2% vs. 90.5%; P < 0.0001). However, there were no significant differences in clumsiness (18.8% vs. 25.8%; P = 0.256) or thenar muscle atrophy (1.6% vs. 5.0%; P = 0.194). The majority of the patients (90.6%) expressed high levels of satisfaction with the procedure, reporting no recurrence of symptoms. In contrast, only 9.4% of patients experienced post-operative complications. The study findings revealed no significant correlation between post-operative complications and body mass index (P = 0.194). Nonetheless, a statistically significant association was observed between the severity of nerve conduction and post-operative complications (P = 0.011). In summary, the open release of the transverse carpal ligament resulted in positive surgical outcomes.