Factors Associated with Upper Extremity Functionality After Mini-Open Release Surgery for Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between upper extremity functionality, pain intensity, muscle strength, and symptom severity among patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who underwent mini-open release surgery. Material and Method:This retrospective study entailed the review of medical records of 70 patients diagnosed with CTS who underwent mini-open release surgery between January 2021 and January 2023. Data were collected from preoperative assessments and routine follow-up evaluations conducted at 3 months post-surgery. Upper extremity functionality was assessed utilizing the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, pain severity was determined using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), muscle strength was evaluated through hand grip strength, and disease severity was measured using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). Results: A statistically significant improvement was observed in DASH questionnaire scores, VAS scores, hand grip strength, and BCTQ scores at the 3-month follow-up compared to preoperative values (p<0.05). Furthermore, significant correlations were found between DASH questionnaire scores and VAS scores, hand grip strength, and BCTQ scores during postoperative assessments (p<0.05). Conclusion: Mini-open-release surgery demonstrates effectiveness as a surgical approach for achieving favorable clinical outcomes in patients with CTS. Furthermore, our findings suggest that postoperative upper extremity functionality may be influenced by factors such as pain intensity, symptom severity, and hand grip strength. Therefore, we advocate for the integration of these factors into postoperative patient evaluation protocols and treatment programs to optimize patient outcomes.