Recovery after carpal tunnel syndrome operation: the influence of the opposite hand, if operated on in the same session

Huracek, J Heising, T Wanner, M Troeger, H

J. Huracek et al., Recovery after carpal tunnel syndrome operation: the influence of the opposite hand, if operated on in the same session, ARCH ORTHOP, 121(7), 2001, pp. 368-370

20

INGLESE

Article

Ortopedics, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine

ARCHIVES OF ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMA SURGERY

0936-8051 → ACNP

121

7

2001

368 - 370

ISI

0936-8051(200107)121:7<368:RACTSO>2.0.ZU;2-9

In a clinical, retrospectively randomised study, we compared the results of the operation for a carpal tunnel syndrome when one side only or both side s were simultaneously assessed in one session. Of the 125 patients examined , 47.2% had both hands operated on in one session, 52.8% had only one hand operated on in one session or both hands in two sessions. We found the bila teral simultaneous operation to be associated with better results concernin g earlier return to work. earlier relief of symptoms and better patient sat isfaction than the operation on one side only. These are explained by the n ecessity of using both hands for daily activities and thus a guaranteed fun ctional follow-up treatment after the bilateral operation. In conclusion, w e propose operating on both hands simultaneously whenever possible, even if the opposite hand presents with only a slight CTS, which would otherwise n ot be considered for operation yet.