Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 2, 2025
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
The Influence of Self-Reported Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure on Functional Outcomes Following Carpal Tunnel Release
Paul H C Stirling1, Paul J Jenkins2, Nicholas D Clement3
1Department of Hand Surgery, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, United Kingdom.
Purpose:
This study describes the impact of self-reported hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure on patient-reported outcomes, health-related quality of life, and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release.
Methods:
We prospectively collected data from Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), patient satisfaction, and 5-level EuroQol-5D questionnaires before and after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes were available for 475 patients (78% follow-up at a mean of 14 months). Fifteen patients were excluded, giving a final cohort of 460 patients.
Results:
A total of 119 patients reported HAV exposure (26%). Median postoperative QuickDASH and QuickDASH improvement were significantly worse in the HAV-exposed group, although both groups improved after surgery. Multivariable linear regression revealed a significantly worse postoperative score and change in QuickDASH in HAV-exposed patients. There was no difference in satisfaction, but after surgery, the 5-level EuroQol-5D score was significantly worse in HAV-exposed patients.
Conclusions:
Carpal tunnel release in HAV-exposed patients results in a significantly lower improvement in self-reported disability compared with patients without HAV exposure. This study provides important prognostic information for patients with previous HAV exposure undergoing carpal tunnel release.
Type Of Study/Level Of Evidence:
Prognostic III.
