Arm sling after carpal tunnel surgery: myth or evidence based?

Abstract

Arm sling elevation is widely used after hand surgery to prevent swelling and pain. This prospective cohort study investigated whether arm sling elevation has any value after carpal tunnel release surgery. Patients were assigned to one of two groups after carpal tunnel release: with or without arm sling elevation. The primary outcome was postoperative swelling. Secondary outcomes were pain and symptom relief and functional outcome. Volumetric analysis showed no significant difference between the sling and non-sling group. Pain scores and improvement of symptom severity and functional status scores were similar for both groups. Thirty-eight per cent found the sling uncomfortable. These results do not support routine use of arm sling elevation after carpal tunnel release. Level of evidence: III