Outcome of carpal tunnel release in patients with normal nerve conduction studies

Background: We evaluated outcome after carpal tunnel release (CTR) in patients with clinically diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) but normal results in nerve conduction studies (NCS), and compared these results with those from a prospective group of patients with NCS-verified CTS. Methods: Over a 5-year period, we prospectively included 103 patients with clinical CTS. NCS were done at inclusion, with surgeon and patient being kept blind regarding the result. The patients underwent endoscopic CTR. QuickDASH and satisfaction score were recorded preoperatively and 4 months after surgery. 94 patients, 47 of whom had NCS-verified CTS, completed the study. Results: A significant improvement in QuickDASH score (18 and 20 points respectively, p < 0.01) was found for both groups. Satisfaction score was significantly higher in the group with NCS-verified CTS. However, the overall satisfaction rates were 87% in the normal NCS group and 95% in the group with abnormal NCS. Conclusions: Clinical outcome after CTR in patients with normal NCS was favourable and similar to that obtained in patients with NCS-verified CTS. Nonetheless, patients with normal result in NCS gave a lower satisfaction score