RELATION OF PREOPERATIVE NERVE-CONDUCTION VALUES TO OUTCOME IN WORKERS WITH SURGICALLY TREATED CARPAL-TUNNEL SYNDROME

Ninety-three workers having undergone carpal tunnel decompression were assessed 16 to 100 months after surgery. The results of outcomes pert aining to symptoms of numbness, nocturnal awakening, and pain as well as job status were compared to the patients' preoperative nerve conduc tion study findings. Significant differences in preoperative nerve-con duction values (NCVs) were found between groups reporting poor results and those reporting good results. These differences were such that th ose reporting poor results had more normal NCVs. Those reporting job c hanges because of carpal tunnel syndrome also had more normal preopera tive nerve-conduction results. Data indicate that those with terminal latencies 1 ms greater than the testing facility normal value or with sensory conduction velocity 10 ms less than the facility norm were mor e likely to benefit from surgery. This study suggests the need for cau tion when considering carpal tunnel surgery in workers with normal or near normal nerve-conduction results.