Protocol of outcome evaluation for surgical release of carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To propose and apply a protocol for assessing the outcome of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

METHODS

The protocol included a patient questionnaire that was self-administered before and 1 and 6 months after the operation to assess severity of symptoms (Boston questionnaire) and staging according to clinical (Giannini) and electrophysiological (Padua) severity scales.

RESULTS

The results of a prospective series of 323 hands undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome by the mini-incision of the palm technique are reported.

CONCLUSION

The method was found to be valid, precise, reliable, and straightforward, enabling a comparison of the results from different patient series and different operating techniques.