Decompression for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome provides significant functional improvement and patient satisfaction

Abstract

This prospective single-centre study describes the functional outcomes, satisfaction and health-related quality of life after open revision carpal tunnel decompression for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. The QuickDASH, patient satisfaction and EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaires were collected preoperatively and postoperatively over a 5-year period (2013–2018). The median time to revision was 13.3 years (range 3.9–35.4 years; interquartile range 7.2–15.9 years). Outcomes were available for 14 hands in 13 patients at a mean of 20 months after revision surgery. The mean preoperative and postoperative QuickDASH scores were 55 and 29, respectively, and the mean improvement in QuickDASH was 26. The mean improvement in EuroQol-5 dimensions score was 0.1, and 13 of the 14 patients were satisfied. The net promoter score was 85. This study confirms that patients undergoing revision open carpal tunnel decompression for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome experience a significant improvement in function and health-related quality of life. Level of evidence: IV