Study to assess differences in outcome following open carpal tunnel decompressions performed by surgeons of differing grade.

Introduction: Carpal tunnel decompression is the most commonly performed surgical procedure within a hand unit. Although very effective, the complications following the procedure can be significant. In an attempt to identify the causes of such complications, we assessed whether seniority of the surgeon impacts on outcome for open carpal tunnel decompression.

Patients And Methods: Data were jointly and prospectively gathered from two units from either side of the Atlantic - the Pulvertaft Hand Center, UK and the Curtis Hand Center, USA. The aim of the study was to assess outcome following carpal tunnel decompression. Completed data were gathered following open carpal tunnel decompression on 352 hands. Surgeons of a consultant grade had performed 123 of these procedures whilst surgical trainees had performed 229 of the procedures. Assessment was by Levine Katz questionnaire results, Semmes-Weinstein testing, grip strength and pinch grip strength testing performed both pre-operatively and 6 months' postoperatively. Complications following the procedure were also recorded.

Results: Mean results were found to be better in those patients where the surgeon was of a consultant grade. However, this was only found to be of statistical significance on Semmes-Weinstein testing. Complications following the procedure were also noted to be higher in the group of patients operated on by trainee grades.

Conclusions: Our results show the carpal tunnel decompression performed by a surgeon of consultant grade offers slightly better results in objective neurological testing when compared with those performed by a more junior grade.