Results of surgical treatment for radial tunnel syndrome

We reviewed the outcome of radial nerve decompression in 28 patients with a n average 28-month follow-up period. The outcome was determined by both sub jective (ie, questionnaire) and objective assessments. Only 11 of the 28 pa tients (39%) had excellent or good results. However, 64% subjectively asses sed their results as excellent or good. Results were worse in patients rece iving workers' compensation or who were in litigation. The difference was s tatistically significant. Although previous studies have found a high rate of good results, we believe that a high rate of morbidity is associated wit h both the disease and its treatment. Based on our results we suggest that great caution be taken before performing radial tunnel release and strict a dherence to the indications noted during the preoperative examination. Copy right (C) 1999 by the American Society for Surgery. of the Hand.