[Changes of grip and pinch strength after carpal tunnel release]

Evaluation of changes of the total grip strength, two-point pinch, three-point pinch, key-pinch and a subjective improvement of the dexterity of the hand measured by functional part of Levine questionnaire within first year after carpal tunnel release.

Thirty-nine patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were evaluated for changes of aforementioned grips, pinches and completed the Levine questionnaire. All measurements were performed with set of digital dynamometers. Patients were assessed before the operation and at 3, 6 and finally at 12 months after surgery. In all cases carpal tunnel was released by double incision open technique.

All grips and pinches improved significantly within first year after surgery with respect to preoperative values. Mean total grip strength increased at 3 months to 109%, at 6 months to 123% and at 12 months to 138%. Statistically significant difference was noted at 6 and 12 months. Mean value of two-point pinch was at 3 months of 117% preoperative value, at 3 months of 131% and at 12 months of 145%. Statistically significant difference was noted at 12 months. Mean value of three-point pinch was at 3 months of 114% preoperative value, at 6 months of 130% and at 12 months of 144%. Statistically significant difference was noted at 6 and 12 months. Mean value of key-pinch strength was at 3 months of 105% preoperative value, at 6 months of 117% and at 12 months of 145%. Statistically significant difference was noted at 6 and 12 months. Subjective evaluation of dexterity of the hand by functional part of Levine questionnaire revealed statistically significant improvement in all four post-operative examinations.

Power of the hand improved gradually within whole first year after carpal tunnel release, however statistically significant difference was noted as late as at 6 and 12 months after surgery. In subjective opinion of patients the dexterity of the hand improves gradually during whole 12 months follow-up.