Change in strength and dexterity after open carpal tunnel release

Few studies have documented the long-term recovery of hand function after open carpal tunnel release surgery. Grip strength and manual dexterity were measured before and every five weeks up to 25 weeks after open carpal tunnel release in a sample of 11 affected wrists. Dexterity scores prior to surgery were substantially (nearly 3sd) below normative levels. There was a significant (t10=5.45, P<0.001) 37% decrease in grip strength immediately following surgery. Trend analysis of the data indicated a significant second order pattern for the decrease and recovery of grip strength, and a significant linear pattern of recovery of dexterity following surgery. The strength and dexterity tests were effective in documenting changes in function in recovery from open carpal tunnel release surgery, but grip strength and dexterity in these subjects only recovered to pre-operative levels at 25 weeks.