Outcome of reoperation for carpal tunnel syndrome

One hundred thirty-one patients with reoperation for carpal tunnel syndrome were followed for a mean of 11 years. Reoperation failed in 15 patients, necessitating a third operation. Satisfaction, symptom severity, and functional status scores were assessed with a standardized questionnaire in the other 116 patients. Patients with normal findings on preoperative nerve conduction studies, those who filed for compensation, and those who had pain in the distribution of the ulnar nerve had significantly worse results. Those with abnormal findings on nerve conduction studies who had not filed for compensation had the best symptom and function scores and satisfaction at latest follow-up examination; those with normal findings on nerve conduction studies who had filed for compensation had the poorest outcome. Although most patients were satisfied with the overall outcome, many reported residual symptoms; in addition to the 15 patients who required a third operation, 22 patients were dissatisfied with the final result.