Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hand Function

1993 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-46
Author(s):  
G Allan Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Loss Of Strength ◽  
Age And Sex

GA Taylor. Carpal tunnel syndrome and hand function. Can J Plast Surg 1993; 1 (1):44-46. A prospective review of 78 hands in 58 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome is presented. The author's technique for carpal tunnel release under local anesthesia is described. Comparison of the patients in the series with age- and sex-matched controls revealed a high incidence of preoperative weakness of grip and pinch strength. Postoperatively, many patients experienced further loss of strength persisting six months or more. Some had not regained preoperative strength by six months. Explanations for diminished hand strength in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome both pre- and postoperatively are advanced and recommendations made for improved informed consent for patients undergoing carpal tunnel release.

Clinical Update: Assessing Maximum Medical Improvement in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 4-5
Author(s):  
Christopher R. Brigham ◽  
James B. Talmage
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Proper Time ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Early Results ◽  
Medical Evaluation ◽  
Nerve Recovery ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract Permanent impairment cannot be assessed until the patient is at maximum medical improvement (MMI), but the proper time to test following carpal tunnel release often is not clear. The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) states: “Factors affecting nerve recovery in compression lesions include nerve fiber pathology, level of injury, duration of injury, and status of end organs,” but age is not prognostic. The AMA Guides clarifies: “High axonotmesis lesions may take 1 to 2 years for maximum recovery, whereas even lesions at the wrist may take 6 to 9 months for maximal recovery of nerve function.” The authors review 3 studies that followed patients’ long-term recovery of hand function after open carpal tunnel release surgery and found that estimates of MMI ranged from 25 weeks to 24 months (for “significant improvement”) to 18 to 24 months. The authors suggest that if the early results of surgery suggest a patient's improvement in the activities of daily living (ADL) and an examination shows few or no symptoms, the result can be assessed early. If major symptoms and ADL problems persist, the examiner should wait at least 6 to 12 months, until symptoms appear to stop improving. A patient with carpal tunnel syndrome who declines a release can be rated for impairment, and, as appropriate, the physician may wish to make a written note of this in the medical evaluation report.

scholarly journals The Impact of Sensory, Motor and Pain Impairments on Patient- Reported and Performance Based Function in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1258-1267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goris Nazari ◽  
Niyati Shah ◽  
Joy C MacDermid ◽  
Linda Woodhouse
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Sensory Motor ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Quick Dash ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Vibration Threshold

Background: Research has suggested that persistent sensory and motor impairments predominate the symptoms experienced by patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS); with intermittent pain symptoms, being less predominant. Objective: The study aims to determine the relative contribution of sensory, motor and pain impairments as contributors to patient-report or performance-based hand function. Methods: Fifty participants with a diagnosis of CTS confirmed by a hand surgeon and electrodiagnosis were evaluated on a single occasion. Impairments were measured for sensibility, pain and motor performance. A staged regression analysis was performed. In the first step, variables with each of the 3 impairment categories were regressed on the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) to identify the key variables from this domain. Models were created for both self report (Quick Disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand- Quick DASH) and performance based (Dexterity) functional outcomes. Backward regression modelling was performed for SSS and then, to allow comparability of the importance of different impairments across models, the 7 significant variables from the SSS model were forced into the models. Results: Variables: age, touch threshold and vibration threshold of the little finger of unaffected hand, median-ulnar vibration threshold ratio of affected hand, mean pain tolerance of unaffected hand, grip strength and pinch strength of affected hand, explained 31%, 36% and 63% of the variance in SSS, Quick DASH and dexterity scores, respectively. Conclusion: Hand function in patients with CTS is described by variables that reflect sensory status of the median and ulnar nerves, the persons pain threshold, grip and pinch strength impairments and age.

The results of carpal tunnel release for carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed on clinical grounds, with or without electrophysiological investigations: a randomized study

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Żyluk ◽  
Z. Szlosser
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Nerve Conduction Studies ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
To Receive

We compared the results of carpal tunnel release in patients with the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome based on only clinical grounds and those diagnosed on clinical and electrophysiological grounds. Ninety-three patients, 83 women (89%) and ten men (11%), meeting the criteria of ‘typical’ carpal tunnel syndrome, were randomly assigned to receive carpal tunnel release with ( n = 45, 48%) or without ( n = 48, 52%) nerve conduction studies. Patients were followed-up at 1 and 6 months, by assessments that included the Levine scores, filament tests, grip and pinch strength. No significant differences in Levine scores were found at the 1 and 6 months assessments. Statistically significant differences were noted in three-point pinch strength and sensation; however, they were not of clinical importance. The results of the study show that the results of carpal tunnel release in patients with typical symptoms are no better after nerve conduction studies and, therefore, nerve conduction studies can be omitted.

scholarly journals Associations between hand function and electrophysiological measurements in hand osteoarthritis patients of different ages with or without carpal tunnel syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Hoon Kim ◽  
Eun Young Han ◽  
Jinseok Kim ◽  
Kyu-Bum Seo ◽  
Young Tae Jeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Sensory Nerve ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Hand Osteoarthritis ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease that most frequently involves the hand. The objective was to compare clinical functional outcome measures including hand grip, pinch strength, and dexterity with various electrophysiological measures in patients of different ages with hand osteoarthritis with or without the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Patients with hand osteoarthritis (208 patients, 404 hands) who underwent hand-function tests and motor and sensory nerve conduction studies (NCS) between June 2015 and June 2016 were enrolled. The patients’ hands were assigned to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) (206 hands; mean age, 56.37 ± 10.52; male:female, 46:160) or control groups (198 hands; mean age, 57.88 ± 9.68; male:female, 55:143). The strength of hand grip and lateral pinch, the time required to complete the nine-hole pegboard test (9HPT), and motor and sensory nerve conduction parameters were measured and compared across age groups and between hands with or without CTS. The CTS group showed significantly lower hand grip and lateral pinch strength, and a longer time to complete the 9HPT in comparison with the control group. Female patients showed significantly lower hand grip and lateral pinch strength than male patients. However, there was no difference in the 9HPT completion time between genders. Multivariate regression analysis identified the amplitude of the median compound muscle action potential (CMAP), age, and male gender as independent predictors of grip strength (adjusted R2 = 0.679), and amplitude of median CMAP and male gender as independent predictors of KP strength (adjusted R2 = 0.603). Velocity of median CMAP, amplitude of median sensory nerve action potential, and age were identified as independent predictors of 9HPT time (adjusted R2 = 0.329). Nerve conduction measurements were significantly related to hand-function test results, and CTS induced significant deficits in strength and performance of the affected hand.

A comparison of outcomes of carpal tunnel release for carpal tunnel syndrome in patients diagnosed with and without electrophysiological studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (05) ◽  
pp. 304-308
Author(s):  
Piotr Puchalski ◽  
Andrzej Zyluk ◽  
Zbigniew Szlosser
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Electrophysiological Studies ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

AbstractRecords were analysed from the institutional database, including 943 patients (1089 hands) with CTS who were operated on in the authors’ department over a period of four years (2012 to 2015). The diagnosis of CTS was made solely on the basis of clinical findings in 551 patients (58 %); 392 patients (42 %) also had electrodiagnostic tests performed, for various reasons. Patients were followed-up at 1 and 6 months with assessments that included the Levine scores, filament tests, grip and pinch strength. No significant differences in Levine scores were found at the 1 and 6 month assessments. Statistically significant differences were noted in 3-point pinch strength and sensation: however, these were not clinically meaningful. The results of the study show that the results of carpal tunnel release in patients with typical symptoms are no better after electrodiagnostic tests.

Thumb Function and Electromyography Result after Modified Camitz Tendon Transfer

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 275-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Marie Durban ◽  
Bernard Antolin ◽  
Chung Ying Sau ◽  
Sheung Wai Li ◽  
Wing Yuk Ip
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Muscle Recovery ◽  
Abductor Pollicis Brevis ◽  
Palmaris Longus ◽  
Contralateral Hand ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Background: Various techniques of opponensplasty have been developed with the aim of restoring the thumb function. The modified Camitz opponensplasty is a simple technique done together with an open carpal tunnel release. It restores thumb palmar abduction soon after the procedure, during such time that the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) is still recovering. The aim of this study was to assess the recovery and level of activity of the abductor pollicis brevis and palmaris longus (PL) muscles during thumb opposition and abduction after performing the modified Camitz opponensplasty. Methods: The records of 21 patients who underwent modified Camitz opponensplasty for severe carpal tunnel syndrome were reviewed. Thumb function was evaluated using the Van Wetter Apogee test, Kapandji index, tripod pinch strength, and power grip. Electromyography was utilized to evaluate APB recovery; ultrasonography was employed to evaluate PL activity. Results: Twenty patients reached 80% of the abduction height of the contralateral hand; the Kapandji index was good in thirteen. Palmaris longus activity was evaluated together with the APB muscle recovery. There was significant improvement in the average grip strength and average tripod pinch strength. However, this did not correlate with the degree of neurologic and muscular recovery of the APB. We surmise that the palmaris longus augmented the abductor pollicis brevis muscle even in those with full muscle recovery. Conclusions: The modified Camitz opponensplasty is a practical option for patients suffering from severe carpal tunnel syndrome with diminished thumb function.

The Effect of Age and Gender upon Symptoms and Surgical Outcomes in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2005 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 599-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. HOBBY ◽  
R. VENKATESH ◽  
P. MOTKUR
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Surgical Outcome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
And Gender

There is conflicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of carpal tunnel release in older patients. This is a prospective study which evaluates the impact of age and gender upon symptoms, self-reported disability and surgical outcome in a series of 97 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptom severity, hand function and patient satisfaction were assessed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and the Patient Evaluation Measure. A statistical correlation of age and gender with symptoms, hand function and surgical outcome was performed with questionnaires administered before open carpal tunnel decompression and 6 months after surgery. Women reported greater pre-operative symptoms and disability than men, but there was no gender-related difference in surgical outcome or patient satisfaction. There was no difference in surgical outcome between patients 60 and 70 years of age and younger patients. The majority of patients over the age of 70 reported an improvement in symptoms and function, but they were less satisfied with their treatment than younger patients. Some patients had problems with persistent numbness and loss of dexterity following surgery. The outcome of carpal tunnel release in terms of improvement in the symptom and functional scores is sufficient to justify surgery in the elderly, but surgical outcomes are less predictable than in younger patients and we recommend that this is explained to them when obtaining consent for surgery.

Validity and Responsiveness of the Patient Evaluation Measure as an Outcome Measure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2005 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 350-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. HOBBY ◽  
C. WATTS ◽  
D. ELLIOT
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Patient Evaluation ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Evaluation Measure

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Patient Evaluation Measure questionnaire (PEM) as an outcome measure in carpal tunnel syndrome. The PEM was compared to the DASH questionnaire and to objective measurements of hand function. We also compared its responsiveness to changes following carpal tunnel release with that of the DASH score. Twenty-four patients completed the PEM and DASH questionnaires before and 3 months after open carpal tunnel release. Grip strength, static two-point discrimination and the nine-hole peg test were measured. There was a significant correlation between individual items of the PEM and the objective measures. There was also strong correlation between PEM and DASH scores. The PEM showed a greater responsiveness to change (effect size 0.97) than the DASH score (effect size 0.49). The PEM correlates well with objective measures of hand function and the DASH score when used in carpal tunnel syndrome. It is more responsive to change than the DASH score. It is very simple to complete and score and is an appropriate and practical outcome measure in carpal tunnel syndrome.

scholarly journals A Prospective, Randomized Trial Comparing Open and Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Within the Same Patient

Hand ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 322-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett M. Michelotti ◽  
Kavita T. Vakharia ◽  
Diane Romanowsky ◽  
Randy M. Hauck
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Postoperative Time ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
A Prospective Study

Background: Surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome includes performing an endoscopic (ECTR) or open (OCTR) carpal tunnel release. Several studies have shown less postoperative pain and improvement in grip and pinch strength with the endoscopic technique. The goal of this study was to prospectively examine outcomes, patient satisfaction, and complications after both ECTR and OCTR in the opposite hands of the same patient. Methods: This was a prospective study in which patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome underwent surgical release with both techniques, with initial operative approach randomized in the more symptomatic hand. Demographic data and functional outcomes were recorded, including the pain score, 2-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, thenar strength testing, grip strength, carpal tunnel syndrome functional status score, carpal tunnel syndrome symptom severity score, and overall satisfaction. Results: Thirty patients completed the study; there were no significant differences in any measure at any of the postoperative time points. Symptom severity and functional status scores were not significantly different between groups at any evaluation. Subjectively, 24 of 30 patients did state they preferred the ECTR, mostly citing less pain as their primary reason, although pain scores were not significantly different. Differences in overall satisfaction were also not significant. Conclusions: Both techniques are well tolerated with no differences in outcomes. With the added cost and equipment associated with ECTR, and no added benefit, the usefulness of ECTR is questionable.

The effect of the involvement of the dominant or non-dominant hand on grip/pinch strengths and the Levine score in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

2011 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 427-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Żyluk ◽  
I. Walaszek
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

The Levine questionnaire is a disease-oriented instrument developed for outcome measurement of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) management. The objective of this study was to compare Levine scores in patients with unilateral CTS, involving the dominant or non-dominant hand, before and after carpal tunnel release. Records of 144 patients, 126 women (87%) and 18 men (13%) aged a mean of 58 years with unilateral CTS, treated operatively, were analysed. The dominant hand was involved in 100 patients (69%), the non-dominant in 44 (31%). The parameters were analysed pre-operatively, and at 1 and 6 months post-operatively. A comparison of Levine scores in patients with the involvement of the dominant or non-dominant hand showed no statistically significant differences at baseline and any of the follow-up measurements. Statistically significant differences were noted in total grip strength at baseline and at 6 month assessments and in key-pinch strength at 1 and 6 months.

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