Basal Joint Arthroplasty and Radial-sided Carpal Tunnel Release Using a Single Incision.

PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to determine in vivo outcomes and consistency of relief of symptoms attributable to carpal tunnel syndrome in patients who underwent radial-sided carpal tunnel release in conjunction with basal joint arthroplasty through a single incision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified all patients who had undergone radial-sided carpal tunnel release in combination with basal joint arthroplasty at 1 institution from February 2011 through April 2014. Both preoperative and postoperative symptoms attributable to carpal tunnel syndrome were documented. Patient outcomes were assessed using the QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) questionnaire. The mean length of follow-up was 16 months (range, 2 to 37 mo).

RESULTS

Eight patients (7 women; 10 extremities) were available for follow-up. There was complete resolution of all symptoms attributable to carpal tunnel syndrome in 9 of 10 extremities. There was complete relief of paresthesias in the remaining extremity (and the patient reported complete relief of night waking), as well as improvement but not resolution of hypoesthesia and pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Radial-sided carpal tunnel release performed with basal joint arthroplasty through a single incision provided reliable improvement or resolution of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.