scholarly journals Why do we know so little about return to work after carpal tunnel release?

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 555-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eira Viikari-Juntura
2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
pp. 748-757
Author(s):  
Miguel C. Jansen ◽  
Mark J.W. van der Oest ◽  
Nicoline P. de Haas ◽  
Ruud W. Selles, PhD ◽  
J. Michiel Zuidam, MD, PhD ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yueying Li ◽  
Wenqi Luo ◽  
Guangzhi Wu ◽  
Shusen Cui ◽  
Xiaossong Gu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) both have advantages and disadvantages for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We compared the effectiveness and safety of ECTR and OCTR based on evidence from a high-level randomized controlled trial. MethodsWe comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Medline to identify relevant articles published until August 2019. Data regarding operative time, grip strength, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores, digital sensation, patient satisfaction, key pinch strength, return to work time, and complications were extracted and compared. All mean differences (MD) and odds ratios (OR) were expressed as ECTR relative to OCTR. Results Twenty-eight studies were included in our meta-analysis. ECTR was associated with significantly higher satisfaction rates (MD, 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43 to 4.82; P = 0.0003), greater key pinch strengths (MD, 0.79 kg; 95% CI, 0.27 to 1.32; P = 0.003), earlier return to work times (MD, -7.25 days; 95% CI, -14.31 to -0.19; P = 0.04), higher transient nerve injury rates (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.37 to 17.25; P = 0.01), and a lower incidence of scar-related complications (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.59; P = 0.004). There were no significant differences between the two methods in terms of permanent nerve injury (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 0.58 to 6.40; P = 0.28). Conclusions Overall, evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that ECTR results in better recovery of daily life functions than OCTR, as revealed by higher satisfaction rates, greater key pinch strengths, earlier return to work times, and fewer scar-related complications. Our findings suggest that patients with CTS can be effectively managed with ECTR.


Hand ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 155894472094006
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Hein ◽  
Andrew W. Hollins ◽  
Amanda N. Fletcher ◽  
David S. Ruch ◽  
Marc J. Richard ◽  
...  

Background Approximately 56% of patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome present with bilateral symptoms; however, few studies have investigated bilateral simultaneous endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and postoperative effect on return to activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the length of recovery in patients who received bilateral simultaneous ECTR, including pain medication requirements, return to activities of daily living, return to work, and return to recreational activities. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent bilateral ECTR by a single hand fellowship–trained surgeon from 2013 to 2019. Demographic, operative, and clinical outcomes were collected via chart review and a telephone interview. Student t tests and χ2 tests were conducted for analysis. Results Eighty patients were included in the study; 40 were successfully contacted for telephone interview follow-up. Patients reported an average of 2 days of use of postoperative narcotic pain medication and an average of 5, 7, and 19 days of return to activities of daily living, work, and recreational activities, respectively. Female patients reported more days of narcotic pain medications (1 day vs 3 days, P = .0483) and an average of longer return to work than men (9 days vs 5 days, P = .0477). Manual laborers reported longer return to work (9 days vs 5 days, P = .0500). Older patients (aged >65 years) reported longer return to recreational activities (39 days vs 11 days, P = .0189). Conclusions Simultaneous bilateral ECTR is a successful procedure with shorter recovery times than reported previously. Female patients, manual laborers, and older patients experience a longer recovery and should be counseled appropriately.


2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Cowan ◽  
Heeren Makanji ◽  
Chaitanya Mudgal ◽  
Jesse Jupiter ◽  
David Ring

1994 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. BANDE ◽  
L. DE SMET ◽  
G. FABRY

We retrospectively compared two similar groups of patients who underwent either endoscopic decompression of the carpal tunnel (single portal technique, 44 patients) or open decompression (58 patients) during 1 year in our department. To find out whether there was any subjective difference between the results of the two techniques, we sent each patient a questionnaire and received a 95% response. No major complications occurred. Three endoscopic decompressions had to be abandoned, and open release was performed. We could not demonstrate any significant difference in relief of symptoms and return to work between the two groups. Patient satisfaction at 6 to 18 months follow-up was high with both techniques.


Hand ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenniefer Y. Kho ◽  
Michael P. Gaspar ◽  
Patrick M. Kane ◽  
Sidney M. Jacoby ◽  
Eon K. Shin

Background: We hypothesize that depressive and anxiety disorders, chronic pain conditions, and work-related factors are significant determinants of the time interval for return to work (RTW) in the workers’ compensation (WC) population following carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of all WC patients who underwent open CTR surgery over a 5-year period by 1 of 3 fellowship-trained hand surgeons. One hundred fifty-two wrists in 108 patients (64 unilateral, 44 bilateral) met the inclusion criteria. Demographic, medical, and surgical data were obtained from patient records. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess predictors of RTW. Results: Eighty-nine percent of all patients returned to work full-duty. Average RTW duration in all wrists was 12.5 ± 11.3 weeks. Predictors of delayed RTW in bivariate and multivariate analyses were depression with or without anxiety, chronic pain disorders including fibromyalgia, preoperative opioid use, and modified preoperative work status. Job type, motor nerve conduction velocity, and bilateral surgery were not predictive of delayed RTW interval. Conclusions: WC patients with depression, anxiety, or fibromyalgia and other chronic pain disorders were significantly more likely to have delayed RTW following CTR than were WC patients without these conditions. In addition, those who use opioid medications preoperatively and those with preoperative work restrictions were also found to have a significantly delayed RTW after CTR. Knowledge of these risk factors may help care providers and employers identify those WC patients who are most likely to have a protracted postoperative recovery period.


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 875-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Newington ◽  
Kristin Francis ◽  
Georgia Ntani ◽  
David Warwick ◽  
Jo Adams ◽  
...  

There is a limited evidence base from which to derive recommendations for safe and effective return to different types of occupation after carpal tunnel release surgery. The current practice of members of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand and the British Association of Hand Therapists was investigated with a questionnaire. In total, 173 surgeons and 137 therapists responded from an estimated sample of 1959. Median recommended return-to-work times were 7 days for desk-based duties, 15 days for repetitive light manual duties and 30 days for heavy manual duties. However, the responses were wide-ranging: 0–30 days for desk-based; 1–56 days for repetitive light manual; and 1–90 days for heavy manual. Variation in the recommended timescales for return to work and other functional activities after carpal tunnel release suggests that patients are receiving different and possibly even conflicting advice. Level of evidence: V


Hand Surgery ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 01 (02) ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
Malcolm H. Wicks

This report outlines my experience with 20 patients who underwent bilateral endoscopic carpal tunnel releases: one side by a uni-portal (Unit-Cut) release, the other by a two portal (modified Chow) technique at the same time. All patients were treated as out-patients, the operations being performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation, no tourniquet inflated, and with pressure bandage applied for twelve hours only. The patients underwent an accelerated rehabilitation programme beginning the same day, and were encouraged to use their hands as soon as possible. Grip and pinch strength return was similar for both techniques, the single portal being slightly quicker. Return to work averaged 8.5 days (range 3–25 days) and full activities returned by 14.3 days (range 1–40 days). When asked, the patient strongly preferred the single portal technique, i.e., 18 out of 20 patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sunton Wongsiri ◽  
Wongthawat Liawrungrueang

Introduction. The standard open technique for carpal tunnel surgery has wound problems and complications significantly more than minimally invasive surgery using the Wongsiri technique with MiniSURE Kit® (Surgical Innovation Healthcare Co., Ltd, Bangkok, Thailand) and in particular, the open technique surgery requires a longer time for return to work. CTR surgery with endoscopic devices improves the results with fewer wound problems when compared with the commonly used open technique; however, nerve complications and injury are more prevalent with endoscopic surgery than with the open technique. The Wongsiri technique produces good results with new medical devices such as the MiniSURE View, for improved vision and line-of-sight, and the MiniSURE Cut for improved and complete cutting via the supraretinacular technique that may reduce the nerve problems associated with endoscopic tooling in the carpal tunnel. Purpose. To evaluate the results of the operation and postoperative outcomes of the Wongsiri technique with a MiniSURE Kit®. Methods. 20 patients underwent carpal tunnel release using the Wongsiri technique and a MiniSURE Kit® with a five-step surgery: MIS starts when the surgeon makes a 1.5–1.8 cm incision, creates a working space, inserts the visual tube of MiniSURE View, inserts the freer, and then cuts the transverse carpal ligament by using the MiniSURE Cut. Results. All 20 successes of the Wongsiri technique and MiniSURE Kit® surgery occurred within 6.8 minutes operative time and a 12 mm wound size. A single outlier, in one case (6.7%), the patient experienced pillar pain which abated within one month. Patients can return to work in 7.3 days. Conclusions. The Wongsiri technique with the MiniSURE Kit® demonstrated good outcomes similar to the endoscope. By contrast with the endoscopic surgery, the Wongsiri technique with the MiniSURE Kit® reduced preop, operating, and postop time, many resources, and significant costs and resulted in no nerve problems or complications.


Author(s):  
Jeffrey N. Katz ◽  
Louis Bessette ◽  
Laura Punnett ◽  
Robert B. Keller

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