Abstract

Objectives
Carpal tunnel release (CTR), the golden standard treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is beneficial for the majority of patients, but up to 25% may have a less satisfactory outcome and require additional surgery. The aim of this study was to compare outcome after reoperation for CTS with outcome after primary CTR.

Methods
In a retrospective study, September 2009 to February 2011, data were collected from patients’ medical journals, preoperative health declarations and QuickDASH questionnaires, pre- and one-year postoperatively. 20 patients re-operated due to recurrent or persistent CTS were identified and compared to 493 patients who had undergone primary nerve decompression.

Results
Preoperatively, the re-operated patients had a higher median nerve sensory conduction velocity at wrist level (38 [33-45] vs. 31 [22–38] m/s; p

Key words: carpal tunnel release; carpal tunnel syndrome; recurrent; re-operation; persistent