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Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Neurophysiological recovery 5 years after carpal tunnel release in patients with diabetes
Niels O B Thomsen1,2, Gert S Andersson3,4, Jonas Björk5
1Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, SE-205 02, Malmö, Sweden.
Introduction:
The long-term results of neurophysiological recovery after carpal tunnel release in patients with diabetes have not been studied.
Methods:
Thirty-five patients with diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were matched with 31 patients without diabetes who had idiopathic CTS, and 27 and 30 patients, respectively, participated in this follow-up study. Nerve conduction results at 5 years were compared with previously published results at baseline and 1 year.
Results:
Significant neurophysiological improvement continued from 1 to 5 years after carpal tunnel release for patients with and without diabetes. However, wrist-palm sensory conduction velocity was still abnormal for 85% and 43% of patients with and without diabetes, respectively. Although diabetes had an impact on 4 of 10 measured neurophysiological parameters, the influence of peripheral neuropathy seemed insignificant.
Discussion:
After carpal tunnel release, significant long-term neurophysiological improvement is possible for patients with diabetes, and it is not influenced by the presence of peripheral neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 56: E59-E64, 2017.
