Open versus Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common compressive neuropathy of the median nerve. The efficacy and safety of endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release remain controversial.

Questions/purposes

The purpose of this study was to determine whether endoscopic compared with open carpal tunnel release provides better symptom relief, validated outcome scores, short- and long-term strength, and/or digital sensibility; entails a differential risk of complications such as nerve injury, scar tenderness, pillar pain, and reoperation; allows an earlier return to work; and takes less operative time.

Methods

The English-language literature was searched using MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized controlled trials that compared endoscopic and open carpal tunnel release were included in the meta-analysis. Methodologic quality was assessed with the Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist, and a sensitivity analysis was performed. Symptom relief, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores, strength, digital sensibility, complications, reoperation, interval to return to work, and operative time were analyzed. Twenty-one randomized controlled trials containing 1859 hands were included.

Results

Endoscopically treated patients showed similar symptom relief and BCTQ scores; better early recovery of grip strength (mean difference [MD], 3.03 kg [0.08–5.98]; p = 0.04) and pinch strength (MD, 0.77 kg [0.33–1.22]; p < 0.001) but no advantage after 6 months; lower risk of scar tenderness (risk ratio [RR], 0.53 [0.35–0.82]; p = 0.005); higher risk of nerve injury (RR, 2.84 [1.08–7.46]; p = 0.03), most of which were transient neurapraxias. Similar risk of pillar pain and reoperation; an earlier return to work (MD, −8.73 days [−12.82 to −4.65]; p < 0.001); and reduced operative time (MD, −4.81 minutes [−9.23 to −0.39]; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

High-level evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that endoscopic release allows earlier return to work and improved strength during the early postoperative period. Results at 6 months or later are similar according to current data except that patients undergoing endoscopic release are at greater risk of nerve injury and lower risk of scar tenderness compared with open release. While endoscopic release may appeal to patients who require an early return to work and activities, surgeons should be cognizant of its elevated incidence of transient nerve injury amid its similar overall efficacy to open carpal tunnel release. Additional research is required to define the learning curve of endoscopic release and clarify the influence of surgeon volume on its safety.     

Basal joint arthroplasty decreases carpal tunnel pressure

Background

There is a well-documented association between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, and these conditions commonly coexist. We have observed that patients who have previously undergone thumb basal joint arthroplasty (BJA) seem rarely to present subsequently with CTS. Our hypothesis is that BJA decreases the pressure within the carpal tunnel.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients (6 with coexistent CTS) undergoing BJA were enrolled in the study. The pressure within the carpal tunnel immediately before and after BJA was measured using a commercially available pressure monitor device (Stryker STIC; Kalamazoo, MI). In patients with concomitant CTS undergoing both BJA and carpal tunnel release (CTR), the pressure was measured after BJA but prior to release of the transverse carpal ligament.

Results

The pressure within the carpal tunnel decreased after BJA in all patients. There were 3 patients with stage II arthritis, 15 patients with stage III arthritis, and 10 patients with stage IV arthritis. The mean pressure prior to BJA among all patients was 23.9 mmHg and decreased to 11.0 mmHg after BJA. Patients with concomitant CTS had a mean pre-BJA pressure of 26.5 mmHg, which decreased to 7.3 mmHg after BJA.

Conclusions

BJA decompresses the carpal tunnel and decreases the pressure within. In patients with concomitant CTS, the BJA alone (without additional release of the transverse carpal ligament) decreases the carpal tunnel pressure. Further study is warranted to determine the need for discrete release of the transverse carpal ligament in patients with CTS who are undergoing BJA.

Level of Evidence

Level II, diagnostic.     

Mini-open versus extended open release for severe carpal tunnel syndrome

Background

This study aims to compare surgical outcomes of severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) treated with mini-incision versus extensile release.

Methods

The method employed in this study was a retrospective review of patients with severe CTS, defined by electrophysiologic studies showing non-recordable distal sensory latency of the median nerve. Patients underwent either a mini-incision (2 cm) release of the transverse carpal ligament (group 1) or extensile release proximal to the wrist flexion crease (group 2). Exclusion criteria included prior carpal tunnel release, use of muscle flap, multiple concurrent procedures, or a prior diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. Group 1 included 70 wrists (40 females, 30 males). Group 2 included 64 wrists (35 females, 29 males). Reported outcomes included pre- and post-operative grip strength as well as Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaires (BCTQ).

Results

Patients in group 1 had a 22.6 % increase in grip strength postoperatively (4.5 months ± 5.0), while patients in group 2 had a 59.3 % increase (10.0 months ± 6.9). BCTQ surveys from group 1 (n = 46) demonstrated a symptom severity score of 12.93 and functional status score of 9.39 at an average follow-up of 41.9 ± 10.6 months. Group 2 (n = 42) surveys demonstrated averages of 12.88 and 9.10 at 43.1 ± 11.6 months. One patient in the mini-incision cohort required revision surgery after 2 years, while no patient in the extended release cohort underwent revision.

Conclusion

No significant differences between the two procedures with regard to patient-rated symptom severity or functional status outcomes were found. Both techniques were demonstrated to be effective treatment options for severe CTS.     

A non-scalpel technique for minimally invasive surgery: percutaneously looped thread transection of the transverse carpal ligament

Purpose

This study aims to develop an alternate technique for improving the surgical procedure of carpal tunnel release.

Method

The transverse carpal ligament is transected by utilizing a piece of thread looped percutaneously under the visualization of ultrasound. The procedure, the thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR), was performed on 34 hands of 20 patients. Self-administrated Levine-Katz questionnaire was used for assessing the symptom severity and functional status of the outcomes.

Results

TCTR was performed in each case with no unintended consequences. The average duration for a procedure was 7 min, excluding time of preparation. Significant improvements in subjective sensibility were reported within 24 h, and sleep quality improved for all cases. There were no postoperative complications. The scores of questionnaire 3 months postoperatively were comparable to the literature controls.

Conclusion

TCTR is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgery performed under local anesthesia in a clinic-based procedure room and results in only one-needle entrance point at the wrist and one-needle exit point in the palm. The feature of the procedure includes the potentials of reduced risk of iatrogenic injury, reduced surgical cost, and reduced patient recovery time. The study has shown encouraging promise for optimizing the technique of carpal tunnel release, and more clinical trials are necessary to confirm the findings.     

Outcomes of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a meta-analysis

Background

Currently, there are two genres of surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, open versus endoscopic. The goal of our study is to analyze published data by comparing outcomes of surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and determine if one approach is superior to the other (open versus endoscopic).

Methods

A meta-analysis of retrospective series of Carpal tunnel release including >20 patients, with results measuring outcomes based on at least six of the following nine parameters (paresthesia relief, scar tenderness, two-point discrimination, thenar muscle weakness, Semmes–Weinstein/SW monofilament testing, return to work time, grip and pinch strength, and complications).

Results

Endoscopic carpal tunnel approach showed statistically superior outcomes in eight of the nine categories investigated. Only in the category of complications (mean occurrence of 1.2 % in the open release versus 2.2 % in the endoscopic release group) was the endoscopic group inferior.

Conclusion

This suggests that the endoscopic release is superior to the open release, particularly in experienced hands.     

Patient-reported outcomes after acute carpal tunnel release in patients with distal radius open reduction internal fixation

Background

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a complication that can develop after distal radius fractures. Our hypothesis tested whether patient-reported outcomes after acute carpal tunnel release (CTR) performed in combination with distal radius fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) are worse than patient-reported outcomes with only elective CTR as measured by the symptom severity and functional status scales of the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ).

Methods

A retrospective assessment identified 26 patients treated with acute CTR at the same time as distal radius ORIF, no history of pre-existing CTS or CTR, no other injuries, and >12 months follow-up. Sixteen of these patients (Group A) could be contacted and answered the BCTQ. Group A was age- and sex-matched to control patients (Group B) treated with only elective CTR. A case–control study was performed comparing outcomes of both groups.

Results

The average age of patients was 51 ± 15 years, with an average follow-up of Group A at 49 ± 21 months versus Group B at 55 ± 20 months. The mean symptom severity scale score for Group A was 1.4 ± 0.4 and for Group B was 1.4 ± 0.4. The mean functional status scale score for Group A was 1.4 ± 0.5 and for Group B was 1.3 ± 0.4. The mean total BCTQ score for Group A was 26.5 ± 7.5 and for Group B was 24.9 ± 7.5. There were no statistical or clinically significant differences between Group A and Group B for symptom severity, functional status, and total BCTQ scores.

Conclusions

Patients with acute CTR performed at the same time with distal radius ORIF do as well in the long-term as those patients with only elective CTR as measured by the BCTQ. Patients should expect similar recovery of subjective nerve function from acute median nerve dysfunction when CTR is performed with distal radius ORIF as patients with only elective CTR.     

Analysis of reporting return to work in studies comparing open with endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND:

In studies comparing open with endoscopic carpal tunnel release, return to work (RTW) is often cited as a primary outcome.

OBJECTIVE:

The present study assessed the reporting of RTW and evaluated its usefulness in studies comparing these two methods of carpal tunnel release.

METHODS:

A computerized search was conducted to find randomized controlled trials that compared open with endoscopic carpal tunnel release, with RTW as an outcome measure. The factors that were compared across the studies included definition of RTW, units quantifying RTW, measures of hand function, patients’ type of employment, worker’s compensation or insurance status, patients’ handedness, unilateral or bilateral carpal tunnel release, and use of rehabilitation.

RESULTS:

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the present systematic review. Of the 15 studies reviewed, there were seven definitions of RTW. All studies defined whether the patients underwent unilateral or bilateral carpal tunnel release but there was variability in the calculation of RTW when bilateral releases were performed. The impact of worker’s compensation or insurance, type of work, handedness and rehabilitation were inconsistently addressed as factors affecting RTW.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although RTW ideally reflects function and recovery, it is inadequately measured and reported. The present review revealed that, in studies comparing open carpal tunnel release with endoscopic carpal tunnel release, there is lack of uniformity in reporting RTW, which may contribute to the inconclusive results for RTW. Future research needs to ensure that RTW is used in a consistent manner.     

Immediate and durable clinical improvement in the non-operated hand after contralateral surgery for patients with bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Background

Little is known about clinical improvement in the non-operated hand after unilateral surgery for patients who present with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In this prospective study of patients with bilateral CTS, we evaluated the clinical effects on the non-operated hand following unilateral contralateral carpal tunnel surgical release.

Material and Methods

During a consecutive period of 22 months, 69 patients with bilateral CTS underwent unilateral open carpal tunnel release. Bilateral subjective and objective evaluations were performed pre-operatively, at days 2, 15 and 180 after surgery. Subjective evaluations, analysed with Student t test, included the Boston-Levine symptom severity score and a visual analogue scale including pain, nocturnal symptoms and numbness. A telephone survey was conducted 12 months after surgery.

Results

The Boston-Levine severity score of the contralateral non-operated hand decreased from 2.70 pre-operatively to 1.70 at 2 days (p < 0.001). The visual analogue pain score decreased at 2 days for 61 patients (88 %), whereas the nocturnal symptoms decreased or disappeared in 63 cases (91 %) and the paresthesia in 52 cases (75 %) (ps < 0.001). These beneficial effects were stable in time with no statistically significant change at 180 days. Overall, 58 patients (84 %) observed a total resolution or a significant improvement in their symptoms at 6 months. At 12 months, 100 % of patients responded to a telephone survey. Fifty one of them (74 %) reported minimal or no symptoms on the non-operated hand. Linear regression (analysis of variance [ANOVA]) showed that gender, age, professional status, duration of pre-operative symptoms and severity of electrophysiological disturbances were not predictive of post-operative evolution in the non-operated hand after unilateral surgery for CTS.     

Medically managed gout precipitating acute carpal tunnel syndrome

Background

The most common compressive neuropathy affects the median nerve in the carpal tunnel; it is typically chronic and progressive. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS), on the other hand, is a less frequently encountered surgical emergency that usually occurs in the setting of trauma, such as a displaced fracture of the distal radius or carpal dislocation. To our knowledge, there are only two cases of acute carpal tunnel secondary to gout reported in the literature, with both being outside of the USA and the last case being over 20 years ago. We reviewed the literature describing acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS) caused by gout and present a recent case of atraumatic ACTS caused, in part, by a tophaceous gouty mass.

Methods

Review of the literature consisted of a PubMed search of all articles in the English language using the following keywords: “Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” and “Tophaceous Gout” and “Gout.”

Results

We present the youngest reported case of atraumatic ACTS caused by tophaceous gout and the only reported case with a documented history of gout being actively medically managed with a uric acid lowering agent. This was successfully treated with an emergent extended carpal tunnel release, a complete flexor synovectomy, and excision of a gouty mass adhered to the carpal tunnel floor.

Conclusions

Atraumatic ACTS secondary to gout is rare and has never been reported in a patient already being managed with uric acid lowering agents. Such a presentation requires rapid surgical exploration with release of the carpal tunnel, debridement of all gouty tissue, and increasingly aggressive adjuvant medical therapy.     

A One-Stop Carpal Tunnel Clinic

INTRODUCTION

By December 2008, 90% of referrals requiring hospital admission will need to be seen and treated within the 18-week patient pathway. Previously, patients within our trust with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome had to wait 3 months to see a specialist in clinic and, once assessed, would have to wait up to a further 6 months for an open carpal tunnel decompression under local anaesthetic (OCTD/LA). We set up a one-stop clinic, where patients would have their out-patient consultation and surgery on the same day. We evaluated the clinic in order to assess whether it led to reduced waiting times whilst maintaining good clinical outcome and patient satisfaction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were selected on the basis of the standard referral letter alone. Those selected were then assessed by a single surgeon in the clinic. The patients deemed appropriate underwent an OCTD/LA and were discharged the same day. Patients were followed up with a patient satisfaction and Boston questionnaire.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients underwent 63 OCTD/LA, waiting an average of 2.2 months (9 weeks) from referral. There was high patient satisfaction and improvement in symptoms following treatment in the clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe a one-stop carpal tunnel clinic can be an efficient and cost-effective way of treating this common condition.     

The effect of epineurotomy on the median nerve volume after the carpal tunnel release: a prospective randomised double-blind controlled trial

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of epineurotomy on the post-surgical median nerve volume and clinical outcomes in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients with a prominent nerve narrowing.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomised, double-blind controlled trial. Patients (n = 50) were randomised (1:1) to open-field surgical carpal tunnel release followed by a longitudinal epineurotomy of the nerve (test), or to open-field release without epineurotomy (control).

Results

The nerve volume was slightly larger in the test group 90 days post-surgery (by 10.5 %, p = 0.157) but not 180 days post-surgery. No relevant electropyhsiological or clinical difference between groups and no effect of the nerve volume was observed. The subjective pain reduction was slightly more prominent in the control group at 180 days. Larger post-surgical nerve volume was associated with lower pain, but only in the control group.

Conclusions

Even in selected CTS patients, longitudinal epineurotomy confers no benefit regarding the nerve volume or clinical outcomes over a simple carpal tunnel release.     

Comparison of postoperative pain after open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A randomized controlled study

Background:

Results of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery were compared with many studies done previously. To the best of our knowledge, difference in pain after endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) has not been objectively documented in literature. The aim of the study was to compare the pain intensity in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing OCTR versus those undergoing ECTR.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized into two groups using “random number generator” software (Research Randomizer, version 3.0); endoscopic surgery group [(21 female, 1 male; mean age 49 years (range 31–64 years)] and open surgery group [(25 female, 3 male; mean age 45.1 years (range 29–68 years)] and received carpal tunnel release. Surgery was performed under regional intravenous anesthesia. The patients’ pain level was assessed at the 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th, and 24^th postoperative hours using a visual analog scale (VAS) score.

Results:

Mean age, gender and duration of symptoms were found similar for both groups. Boston functional scores were improved for both groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Pain assessment at the postoperative 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th and 24^th hours revealed significantly low VAS scores in the endoscopic surgery group (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Need for analgesic medication was significantly lower in the endoscopic surgery group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an effective treatment method in carpal tunnel release vis-a-vis postoperative pain relief.     

Parastomal Hernia Repair: a Single Center Experience

Background/Objectives:

Despite multiple options for operative repair of parastomal hernia, results are frequently disappointing. We review our experience with parastomal hernia repair.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with parastomal hernia who underwent LAP or open repair at our institution between 1999 and 2006. Information collected included demographics, indication for stoma creation, operative time, length of stay, postoperative complications, and recurrence.

Results:

Twenty-five patients who underwent laparoscopic or open parastomal hernia repair were identified. Laparoscopic repair was attempted on 12 patients and successfully completed on 11. Thirteen patients underwent open repair. Operative time was 172±10.0 minutes for laparoscopic and 137±19.1 minutes for open cases (P=0.14). Lengths of stay were 3.1±0.4 days (laparoscopic) and 5.1±0.8 days (open), P=0.05. Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 4 laparoscopic patients (33.3%) and 2 open patients (15.4%), P=0.38. Parastomal hernia recurred in 4 laparoscopic patients (33.3%) and 7 open patients (53.8%) after 13.9±4.5 months and 21.4±4.3 months, respectively, P=0.43.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic modified Sugarbaker technique in the repair of parastomal hernia affords an alternative to open repair for treating parastomal hernia.     

Responsiveness of the Korean Version of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire after Carpal Tunnel Release

Background

The Korean version of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (K-MHQ) was recently validated; however, the questionnaire''s responsiveness as well as the degree to which the instrument is sensitive to change has not been thoroughly evaluated in a specific condition in Koreans. We evaluated the responsiveness of the K-MHQ in a homogenous cohort of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and we compared it with that of the Korean version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (K-DASH), which was found to have a large degree of responsiveness after carpal tunnel release for Korean patients with CTS.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients with CTS prospectively completed the K-MHQ and the K-DASH before and 6 months after surgery. The responsiveness statistics were assessed for both the K-MHQ and the K-DASH by using the standardized response mean (SRM), which was defined as the mean change of the original scores after surgery divided by the standard deviation of the change.

Results

All domains of the K-MHQ significantly improved after carpal tunnel release (p < 0.001). The SRM for all scales but one (the aesthetics scale) showed large responsiveness of ≥ 0.8. The aesthetics scale showed medium responsiveness of 0.6. The combined function/symptom scale of the K-DASH significantly improved after surgery (p < 0.001). The SRM of the K-DASH revealed large responsiveness of 0.9.

Conclusions

The K-MHQ was found to have a large degree of responsiveness after carpal tunnel release for Korean patients with CTS, which is comparable not only to the K-DASH, but also to the original version of the MHQ. The region-specific K-MHQ can be useful for outcomes research related to carpal tunnel surgery, especially for research comparing CTS with various other hand and wrist health conditions.     

Prospective comparison of the six-item carpal tunnel symptoms scale and portable nerve conduction testing in measuring the outcomes of treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with steroid injection

Background

We prospectively studied patients clinically diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and treated with the injection of corticosteroid into their carpal tunnel in order to compare changes in the six-item CTS symptoms scale and portable nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters as outcome tools. Our pilot study was the first to assess the utility of the six-item CTS symptom scale (CTS-6) with steroid injections as a patient-directed outcome measure for the treatment of CTS.

Methods

We enrolled patients who presented to our county hospital orthopedic surgery clinic from August 2012 through August 2013. The patients were clinically diagnosed with CTS. After completing the six-item CTS symptoms scale questionnaire, portable NCS was obtained. Each patient then received an injection of 1 ml of triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg/ml mixed with 1 ml of 1 % lidocaine into the carpal tunnel. Six weeks postinjection, each patient repeated a CTS-6 questionnaire and underwent a repeat portable NCS. The CTS-6 and NCS results were analyzed using the paired samples t test. A Pearson correlation was used to assess the correlation between the changes in the CTS-6 and the NCS measurements. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Thirty-two wrists in 20 patients were evaluated. There was a statistically significant difference between the CTS-6 scores before and after injection. There were also statistically significant changes in the five of the NCS parameters. None of the correlations between the CTS-6 and the NCS parameters were statistically significant.

Conclusions

The six-item CTS symptoms scale and portable NCS are both useful measures for evaluating the results of steroid injections. The CTS-6 is an effective tool because of its ease of use, low cost, correspondence with changes in NCS, and ability to monitor the outcome of steroid treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.     

Capitellum Fracture Fragment Excision: a Case Series

Background

Fractures of the capitellum are rare injuries, and few studies have reported the results of fragment excision.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to determine range of motion and short-term clinical outcomes for patients treated with capitellum excision.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed to identify all patients with an isolated capitellum fracture who underwent excision as definitive treatment at our institutions. Mechanism of injury, associated elbow injuries, type of capitellum fracture, complications, and postoperative outcomes including final elbow range of motion (ROM), elbow instability, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were recorded.

Results

Four patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study. All patients were female with an average age of 69 years (range 42–85). Based on the Bryan and Morrey classification system, three (75%) fractures were classified as type I and one (25%) fracture as type III. The average clinical follow-up was 11 months. Final examination demonstrated a mean elbow range of motion from 14° (range 0–30) of extension to 143° (range 130–160) of flexion. All patients had full forearm rotation, and there was no clinical evidence of elbow instability. The average DASH score was 18.3 (12.5–24.2) at final follow-up.

Conclusion

Excision of the capitellum, much like excision of the radial head, results in acceptable short-term outcome scores and elbow range of motion in patients with fractures that are not amenable to open reduction and internal fixation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-015-9452-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Postsurgical complications following distal radius volar plating in a diabetic population at short-term follow-up

Background

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of complications following operative treatment of lower extremity fractures. There is little published data establishing the impact of diabetes following surgical treatment of upper extremity fractures. This investigation aimed to compare the incidence of short-term postsurgical complications following volar locked plating of distal radius fractures in patients with and without diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective matched cohort investigation of 33 diabetics matched 1:2 to 66 non-diabetics was performed, accounting for age, gender, fracture type, and smoking status. Electronic medical records and radiographs were reviewed for all major and minor postsurgical complications. Demographic characteristics, postoperative radiographic parameters, and final range of motion were also compared. Mean follow-up was 5.3 ± 8.2 and 5.5 ± 7.8 months for diabetics and non-diabetics, respectively.

Results

The diabetic cohort had a significantly higher overall complication rate with 24 postsurgical complications affecting 12 patients (36 %) compared to 16 complications affecting 12 patients (18 %) in the non-diabetic cohort. There was no difference in the incidence of major complications requiring operative intervention. Minor complications were significantly more common in the diabetic group and were largely accounted for by peripheral neuritis with an incidence of 30 %. Final radiographic outcomes and range of motion were similar.

Conclusions

Diabetics experienced a greater incidence of minor postsurgical complications following volar locked plating of distal radius fractures when compared to a matched, control population. The difference in outcomes is largely accounted for by the increased incidence of peripheral neuritis among diabetics. Diabetic patients should be counseled pre-operatively regarding their elevated risk profile.     

Corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome: a 5-year survivorship analysis

Background

The purpose of our study was to determine the rate of carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) following local corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), as well as identifying predictors of requiring further intervention and eventual decompression.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with CTS in our unit over a 6-year period were prospectively assessed. Patients were diagnosed using a combination of clinical presentation and nerve conduction studies. Patients were managed with open carpal tunnel decompression or corticosteroid injection. There were 1,564 consecutive patients diagnosed with CTS over the study period, of whom 824 (53%) underwent a corticosteroid injection as their primary treatment. We performed a survivorship analysis of these patients and used Kaplan–Meier survivorship methodology to determine the 5-year rate of re-intervention. Risk factors for re-intervention were also determined.

Results

The overall 5-year Kaplan–Meier rate of secondary CTD was 15% at 1 year and 33% at 5 years. The need for secondary CTD was independently associated with female gender, diabetes mellitus and positive nerve conduction studies at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Steroid injection is an appropriate treatment in carefully selected patients. Those who are female, diabetic and have neurophysiological confirmation of diagnosis have the highest risk of relapse. These results may be used to guide initial treatment and counsel patients about the risk relapse.     

Comparison of laparoscopic and open cystectomy for bladder cancer: a single center of 110 cases report

Purpose

We compared the operative time, complications, blood loss, total cost, and hospital days of laparoscopic cystectomy vs. open cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Materials and methods

This retrospective, nonrandomized study was conducted between January 2004 and March 2011 on 110 patients (17 women and 93 men) who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. A total of 45 cystectomies were performed laparoscopically and 65 by open surgery. Mean patient age was 62.9±10.4 years. The age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, histopathological results etc. were reviewed in this article.

Results

Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the laparoscopic surgery group (821±776 vs. 1112±706 mL, P=0.044) while operative time was significantly lower in the open surgery group (376±90 vs. 445±119 min, P=0.001). The total costs were also significantly lower in the open surgery group 51,726±13,589 yuan (about $8000) vs. 63,053±19,378 yuan (about $10,000), P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates, postoperative days in hospital between the two groups.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic cystectomy can reduce intraoperative blood loss significantly. Open cystectomy requires less operative time and has a lower cost than laparoscopic cystectomy for bladder cancer. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complication rates in the hospital between the two groups.KEY WORDS : Bladder cancer, cystectomy, laparoscopy surgery, open surgery