The Direct and Indirect Costs to Society of Carpal Tunnel Release.

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compressive neuropathies and affects a large amount of individuals. We investigated the direct and indirect cost to society of operative versus nonoperative management of CTS.

Methods

A Monte Carlo simulation model was used to estimate the lifetime direct and indirect costs associated with nonoperative and operative treatment of CTS, and its utility to patients.

Results

Operative treatment of CTS had a lower total cost and a higher utility when compared with nonoperative treatment.

Conclusions

CTS surgery is clearly a cost-effective treatment strategy that should be included in the societal perspective regarding evolving costs and savings associated with health care.