The impact of dressings on recovery from carpal tunnel decompression.

This study assesses the impact on outcome of wearing a bulky dressing following carpal tunnel decompression. One hundred patients were randomised for having a bulky dressing removed at either 24h or 2 weeks postoperatively. A Levine score was measured preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks. The surgery and other dressings used were standardised as per the protocol. Comparison was made between the symptom and functional severity scores for each group to assess the impact of duration of wearing the dressing on resolution of symptoms. The results indicate no difference in outcome between the 2 week and 24h groups. We therefore feel that patients should be given the choice as to when to remove their dressing. If they feel restricted, they are free to remove the bulky dressing without an increased risk of a worse outcome. If they feel secure in the dressing, they will not suffer leaving it in place for 2 weeks.