A Systematic Review of the Outcomes of Carpal Ligament Release in Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Indications for surgical treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are controversial. The aim of this study was to review the outcomes reported in the literature of carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS.

METHODS: A systematic review of the outcomes of carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome measures included change in symptoms, sensation (2-point discrimination, light touch), thenar atrophy, strength (power and pinch grip), electrophysiology, median nerve morphology, and patient-reported outcome measures. Outcomes are reported by ranges of the percentage of patients/hands improved in the included studies.

RESULTS: Thirty-eight papers were selected, representing 2,531 patients and 2,712 hands. Demographic information on age and sex were available for a total of 1,542 patients. Mean age ranged from 49.8 to 83 years and 72% were female. All studies that assessed patient-reported outcome measures before and after surgery reported significant improvements. Complete resolution of paresthesia occurred in 55%-98% of hands across different studies. Resolution of numbness occurred in between 39% and 94% of hands. Pain completely resolved in 64%-100% and weakness in 60%-75% of hands. Two-point discrimination and light touch improved postoperatively. Power grip, key, tripod, index-thumb pulp pinch, and thumb opposition increased. Motor and sensory amplitudes, distal motor latencies, and sensory conduction velocities improved. Patient-reported outcomes indicated symptomatic improvement and reduced disability.

CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic improvement following carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS can occur. Patients should be counseled about the unpredictability of the outcomes and factors that might affect outcomes.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.