Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.46(2) > 1013131

Heo, Roh, Kim, Yi, Kim, Lee, and Chae: Changes in the Hand Strength and Related Factors after Carpal Tunnel Decompression

Abstract

Purpose

Our goal was to investigate an improvement in hand strength and its associated factors after carpal tunnel decompression in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2008 and January 2009, a total of 31 patients (50 hands) treated with carpal tunnel decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome were enrolled into the study. Hand-strength was assessed pre- and post-surgery. In the pre-operation evaluation, we assessed multiple factors and investigated the association between these factors and recovery of hand strength.

Results

All patients regained hand strength after surgery. On average, the grip strength was 14.8 kg preoperatively, 13.0 kg at 6 weeks, 16.2 kg at 3 months, 18.7 kg at 6 months, and 20.6 kg at 1year postoperatively. The tip-pinch strength was 3.4 kg preoperatively and improved to 3.9 kg at 6 weeks, 4.0 kg at 3 months, 4.4 kg at 6 months and 4.7 kg at 1 year postoperatively. The key-pinch strength showed same pattern of improvement. The recovery of grip strength was significantly slower in patients with longer duration of carpal tunnel syndrome, with diabetes, or with nocturnal pain. There was no factor affecting the recovery of tip-pinch strength. Recovery of key-pinch strength was slower in patients that had experienced a longer duration of symptoms.

Conclusion

Grip strength and pinch strength were recovered within 3 months and 6 weeks, respectively, after carpal tunnel decompression; both improved gradually until 12 months after surgery. Disease duration, diabetes, and nocturnal pain were significant factors that impacted on post-surgery recovery.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Changes in Hand Strength (kg)
jkoa-46-99-i001
Table 2
The Factors Related with Grip Strength Changes and Overall Results
jkoa-46-99-i002

DM, diabetes; HTN, hypertension.

Table 3
The Factors Related with Tip-Pinch Changes and Overall Results
jkoa-46-99-i003

DM, diabetes; HTN, hypertension.

Table 4
The Factors Related with Key-Pinch Changes and Overall Results
jkoa-46-99-i004

DM, diabetes; HTN, hypertension.

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