Carpal tunnel release surgery: small-area variation and impact of ambulatory surgery in the autonomous region of Valencia, Spain.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze variability in rates of carpal tunnel release surgery among the healthcare areas of the autonomous region of Valencia, and to evaluate the contribution of ambulatory surgery and referrals to private hospitals to the variability found.

Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional, population-based study, describing the rates of carpal tunnel release surgery, standardized by age and sex, among areas in the region of Valencia in 2006. The observed variation was then analyzed using small-area analysis methods.