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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Outcome after carpal tunnel release: effects of learning curve
Floriaan G C M De Kleermaeker1, Jan Meulstee2, Franka Claes3
1Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Weg door Jonkerbos 100, 6532 SZ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. florisdekleermaeker@gmail.com.
Introduction:
In carpal tunnel release, it is yet unclear whether a learning curve exists among surgeons. The aim of our study was to investigate if outcome after carpal tunnel release is dependent on surgeon's experience and to get an impression of the learning curve for this procedure.
Methods:
A total of 188 CTS patients underwent carpal tunnel release. Patients completed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire at baseline and 6-8 months postoperatively together with a six-point scale for perceived improvement.
Results:
Patients operated by an experienced resident or certified surgeon reported a favorable outcome more often than patients operated by an inexperienced resident (adjusted OR 3.23 and adjusted OR 3.16, respectively). In addition, a negative association was found between surgeon's years of experience and postoperative Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale scores.
Discussion:
Outcome after carpal tunnel release seems to be dependent on surgical experience, and there is a learning curve in residents.
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