Hand: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Determinants of Return to Work After Carpal Tunnel Release

Cowan J, Makanji H, Mudgal C, et al (Massachusetts General Hosp, Boston) J Hand Surg 37A:18-27, 2012^§

Abstract

Purpose

The determinants of time to return to work—a common measure of treatment effectiveness—are incompletely defined. Our primary hypothesis was that employment circumstances are the strongest determinant of earlier return to work. Our secondary hypothesis was that return to work in patients with desk-based jobs is predicted by patient expectations and other psychosocial factors.

Methods

We enrolled 65 employed patients with limited incision open carpal tunnel release in a prospective cohort study. Patients completed validated measures of depression, coping strategies, pain anxiety, and job burnout. Heavy lifting was not allowed for 1   month after surgery. Return to modified and full work duty was recorded in days. Although not specifically an exclusion criterion, none of the patients had a workers’ compensation claim or other source of secondary gain.

Results

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Related posts:

of Digital Nerves With Collagen Conduits Functional Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction After Silicone Metacarpophalangeal Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis Fracture Repair Using Volumetrically Expanding Polyurethane Bone Cement of Olecranon Plate Fixation in Osteoporotic Bone: Do Current Technologies and Designs Make a Difference? of a Novel Bone-Tendon Allograft With a Human Dermis–Derived Patch for Repair of Chronic Large Rotator Cuff Tears Using a Canine Model in vivo engineered nerve conduit–fabrication and experimental study in rats

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join