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RETURN TO WORK AFTER CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE SURGERY
Renata Gabriela Pereira Cunha Pontes1, Anderson Clayton Cardeal1, Mariana Avelino Dos Santos1
1Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Acta Ortopedica Brasileira
|December 15, 2025
Summary
Work-related factors, like National Institute of Social Security (INSS) leave, can delay return to work after carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery. Self-employed individuals tend to return to work sooner than those with formal contracts.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition requiring surgical intervention.
- Understanding factors influencing return to work (RTW) post-CTS surgery is crucial for patient recovery and economic reintegration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of work-related factors on the time taken to return to work after carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive observational study was conducted on 56 patients who underwent CTS surgery.
- Data collected included profession, employment status, time off work, reasons for return, stress levels, National Institute of Social Security (INSS) leave, job function changes, and work effort.
Main Results:
- The average time to return to work was 39.8 days.
- Patients on leave granted by the INSS experienced an average delay of 47.8 days (p=0.003).
- Individuals undergoing surgery on their left upper limb returned to work approximately one week earlier than those with surgery on their right (p=0.025).
Conclusions:
- National Institute of Social Security (INSS) coverage is associated with a delay of approximately two weeks in return to work.
- Work-related factors significantly influence the recovery timeline and return to employment after CTS surgery.
