The effect of comorbidities on a clinical profile and outcomes of surgery for carpal tunel syndrome

Results of some studies showed that predictors of less favourable outcomes of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome might include presence of comorbidities, such as diabetes and thyroid gland diseases. However, the role of these factors is not clearly determined.The objective of this study was an investigation of the effect of concomitant diseases on clinical profile and outcomes of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.Material and Methods. The study group consisted of 1117 patients, 909 women (81%) and 208 men (19%) at a mean age of 63 years. A total of 972 patients (87%) declared at least one comorbidity, whereas 145 patients (13%) declared no comorbidities The measurements were performed preoperatively and at 6 months post-operatively and included pain intensity, total grip and key-pinch strength, digital sensibility and hand function with the Levine questionnaire. Results. At baseline, the patients with comorbidities had significantly worse digital sensiblility, weaker total grip strength and grater functional impairment of the hand, but only difference in grip strength reached minimal clinical importance. Surgery resulted in significant improvement for all patients, although outcomes at 6 months were less favourable for those with comorbidities with regard to digital sensiblility, total grip and pinch strength and function of the hand. These differences were statistically significant, but only grip strength reached minimal clinical importance. Cnclusion. Presence of comorbidities had statistically and clinically significant negative effect only on the total grip strength pre- and postoperatively, but had no significant effect on outcomes of surgery which was satisfactory in all patients.