Factors affecting symptoms and functionality of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a retrospective study

[Purpose] The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the associations betweenclinical, physical, and neurophysiological outcomes and self-reported symptoms andfunctions of patients after surgical carpal tunnel release. [Subjects and Methods] Among261 patients who had undergone open surgical carpal tunnel release within the last threeyears, 83 (mean age 50.27 ± 11.13 years) participated in this study. Theirsocio-demographics and comorbidities were recorded. The intensity of pain, paresthesia,and fatigue symptoms in the hand were assessed by means of a Visual Analogue Scale, theSemmes-Weinstein Monofilaments test of light touch pressure sensation, and Jamardynamometry for measurement of grip and pinch strengths. The Boston Carpal TunnelQuestionnaire evaluated the severity of symptoms and hand functional status, and thevariables were analyzed by multivariate linear regression. [Results] The severity of thesymptoms and functional status of release surgery patients was associated with diabetesmellitus, migraine, night pain, paresthesia and fatigue symptoms, impaired light touchpressure, and lack of medical treatment. [Conclusion] Appropriate post-surgery treatmentprograms for these factors should be taken into consideration to help patients obtainoptimal functionality and health in their daily lives.Key words: Carpal tunnel syndrome, Patient outcome assessment, Surgical therapy