Comorbid status influences quality of life following carpal tunnel decompression.

The aim of this study was to characterize the change in health-related quality of life following carpal tunnel decompression. Pre- and postoperative Euroqol 5 Dimensions scores were collected prospectively over three years. Outcomes were available for 435 of 563 patients (77%); mean age was 62 years. Comorbid status was described using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Change in Euroqol 5 Dimensions scores declined with increasing age and Charlson Comorbidity Index: the greatest improvement in quality of life occurred in the youngest group (+0.07 vs. -0.07 in the oldest group; p < 0.001) and patients with the lowest Comorbidity Index (+0.05 vs. -0.07 in the highest comorbidity group; p < 0.001). Charlson Comorbidity Index was an independent predictor of worse change in Euroqol 5 Dimensions scores on regression analysis. Carpal tunnel decompression results in significant improvement in health-related quality of life in younger patients with minimal comorbidities, but not in older patients with more comorbidities. We advise interpreting the Euroqol 5 Dimensions scores with caution in this patient cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (cohort study).