Evaluation of Carpal Arch Widening and Outcomes After Carpal Tunnel Release.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the carpal arch widths between baseline and 6 months after open carpal tunnel release, and to determine whether any increase in the carpal arch width was associated with clinical outcomes of surgery.

METHODS: We measured carpal arch widths in standardized carpal tunnel radiographs before, and 6 months after, open carpal tunnel release in 76 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Clinical outcomes were assessed for grip strength change and perceived disability using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire at 6-month follow-up. We correlated the clinical outcomes with carpal arch width changes.

RESULTS: The mean change of the carpal arch width was 1.8 mm (standard deviation, 1.4 mm; range, -0.3 to 5.2 mm). There was no significant correlation between the amount of carpal arch width widening and the clinical outcomes in terms of grip strength change and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores.

CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the change of carpal arch width was minimal at 6 months after open carpal tunnel release, and that the increase, if any, was not associated with clinical outcomes such as grip strength change or the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.