Evidence from:
AJ Rege et al. Journal of Hand Surgery. April (2001) Vol. 26B #2 p 148
A study of the effectiveness of carpal tunnel release in the restoration of normal life.
Prospective study on 96 release patients compared with healthy normal controls. Quality of life assessment by Nottingham Health Profile, before, and 4 months after, surgery.
Only 58% of the initial cohort completed the study. Completers were mainly between 30 and 60 yr. old.
The authors conclude that outcome (quality of life) after surgery was not dependent on physical parameters but was associated with attitude before surgery. They question the value of surgery for people with a grumbling, dissatisfied view of life.
Comment
Patient satisfaction and return to normal life after carpal tunnel release was once (30 years ago) regarded as a given. Non-organic factors now provide an increasing challenge to surgeons and, to those who pay for surgery.