OUTCOME OF REOPERATION FOR CARPAL-TUNNEL SYNDROME

One hundred thirty-one patients with reoperation for carpal tunnel syn drome were followed for a mean of 11 years. Reoperation failed in 15 p atients, necessitating a third operation. Satisfaction, symptom severi ty, and functional status scores were assessed with a standardized que stionnaire in the other 116 patients. Patients with normal findings on preoperative nerve conduction studies, those who filed for compensati on, and those who had pain in the distribution of the ulnar nerve had significantly worse results. Those with abnormal findings on nerve con duction studies who had not filed for compensation had the best sympto m and function scores and satisfaction al latest follow-up examination ; those with normal findings on nerve conduction studies who had filed for compensation had the poorest outcome. Although most patients were satisfied with the overall outcome, many reported residual symptoms; in addition to the 15 patients wile required a third operation, 22 pat ients were dissatisfied with the final result.