The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Release Among Diabetic Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Prospective Follow-Up With Matched Controls.

På svenska

Author

Summary, in English

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcome after carpal tunnel release in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. METHODS: We evaluated a prospective, consecutive series of 35 diabetic patients (median age, 54 years; 15 with type 1 and 20 with type 2 diabetes) with carpal tunnel syndrome, who were age- and gender-matched with 31 nondiabetic patients (median age, 51 years) having idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Exclusion criteria were other focal nerve entrapments, cervical radiculopathy, inflammatory joint disease, renal failure, thyroid disorders, previous wrist fracture, and long-term exposure to vibrating tools. Participants were examined independently at baseline (preoperatively) and 6, 12, and 52 weeks after surgery, including evaluating sensory function (Semmes-Weinstein), motor function (abductor pollicis brevis muscle strength and grip strength), pillar pain, cold intolerance, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The number of patients with normal sensory function (pulp of index finger) increased notably in both patient groups from baseline (diabetic patients, 7 of 35; nondiabetic patients, 10 of 31) compared with the 52-week follow-up (diabetic patients, 25 of 35; nondiabetic patients, 24 of 31). Grip strength decreased temporarily at 6 weeks but recovered completely after 12 weeks. At the 52-week follow-up, mean grip strength (95% confidence interval) had improved significantly in both patient groups (diabetic patients: 3.0 kg [-0.3 to 6.2], nondiabetic patients: 3.4 kg [0.2 to 6.6]). Pillar pain correlated significantly with grip strength at the 6-week follow-up (r(s) = -0.41 to -0.54 [p < .05]). The number of patients reporting cold intolerance decreased over time (diabetic patients, 22 of 35 to 19 of 35; nondiabetic patients, 18 of 31 to 8 of 31), but decreased markedly less for the diabetic patients. Level of patient satisfaction was equal between groups. Comparing type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, no important difference was noted on any test variables. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes have the same beneficial outcome after carpal tunnel release as nondiabetic patients. Only cold intolerance demonstrated a lesser extent of relief for diabetic patients. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic I.

Publishing year

2009

Language

English

Pages

1177-1187

Publication/Series

The Journal of Hand Surgery

Volume

34A

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Surgery

Status

Published

Project

  • Diabetic neuropathy and nerve compression in diabetes

Research group

  • Hand Surgery, Malmö
  • Sustainable occupations and health in a life course perspective

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1531-6564