Is surgical suture type associated with Carpal Tunnel Release results? A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the string used during Carpal Tunnel Surgical Release on post-surgical outcome. Methods: Patients with programmed CTSR were prospectively recruited between February and July 2019. We assessed socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender and occupation) along with other factors relevant to this study (EMG reports pre-op, comorbidities, laterality and hand dominance). Moreover, we applied the quick form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (quickDASH) questionnaire before and after surgery (between three- and six-months post-op), in order to assess the differences in surgical outcomes of the two compared strings: Nylon and Poliglecaprone 25. Results: Study sample consisted of 38 patients. The overall quickDASH score significantly improved after CTSR, as well as each item of the questionnaire. There were no statistically significant differences between the two strings in terms of evolution of the quickDASH score and absenteeism from work. Conclusion: CTSR significantly improved the quality of life of interventioned patients, irrespectively the type of suture used. No recommendation for a preferable type of string could be suggested to improve postsurgical outcome.