Evaluating the Impact of Trauma on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Onset and Postsurgical Recovery: A Retrospective Study in Orthopedic Practice.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between previous trauma to upper extremities and the subsequent development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). By comparing cases of traumatically induced CTS with idiopathic CTS, the study aims to evaluate differences in symptom severity and postsurgical treatment outcomes. Additionally, the study explores other factors associated with higher pain scores and longer lengths of care.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent carpal tunnel release surgery by a single hand surgeon from January 1, 2014 to October 1, 2020. Pre- and postoperative care duration and pain levels, assessed using a visual analog scale, were the primary outcomes. To analyze the predictors of pain levels and recovery time, unadjusted means were generated, followed by the development of a model to account for potential correlations and contributions.

RESULTS

The study included 478 patients (324 women and 154 men) with a mean age of 53.2 years, all of whom underwent carpal tunnel release surgery. Patients with traumatic injuries had higher initial and final pain scores compared with those with nontraumatic causes. Notably, trauma was not a significant factor in the length of care model, despite its association with pain scores. Meanwhile, worker's compensation was a factor associated with prolonged length of care.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that traumatic injuries and other factors, such as worker's compensation, gender, and race/ethnicity, significantly influence both pain levels and length of care in patients undergoing carpal tunnel release surgery. These findings emphasize that CTS can develop after trauma and is not exclusively idiopathic. Addressing various clinical and socioeconomic factors is essential for enhancing treatment effectiveness and managing expectations following surgery.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy/Prevention, Etiology/Harm; IV.