The relationship of mental health status to functional outcome and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release

We studied whether mental health status is significantly correlated to patient reported functional outcomes and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release. Over a 7-year period, 809 patients completed Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaires which allowed calculation of the SF-12 mental component summary 1 year postoperatively, 780 (96%) completed a satisfaction questionnaire and 777 (96%) completed a QuickDisabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Median QuickDASH score was 55 preoperatively (interquartile range [IQR] 28) and 14 postoperatively (IQR 32). A total of 674 patients were satisfied. Patients with mental disability had worse QuickDASH scores (median 34, IQR 41) and a higher incidence of dissatisfaction (52/245, 21%) than those without mental disability (n = 9, IQR 20, 10%, both p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated scores in the SF-12 mental component summary were significantly related to postoperative QuickDASH score (p < 0.001) and satisfaction (p = 0.02). We concluded that patients with mental disability report poorer outcomes and lower satisfaction rates; however, the majority still exhibit significant improvements and are satisfied. Level of evidence: II