Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Absorbable and Non-Absorbable Sutures in Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Abstract

A prospective randomized trial was undertaken to compare the influence of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures on pillar pain, scar tenderness, extent of wound inflammation and overall outcome of the surgery following open carpal tunnel release. Forty hands in 33 patients (mean age, 51 years; range, 31-74 years) were randomized into group A (absorbable sutures) or group B (non-absorbable sutures). Clinical assessment was done at 2, 6 and 12 weeks follow-up. The outcome of surgery in terms of improvement of severity of symptoms and functional status of patients was assessed using a self-administered Boston Questionnaire. There was no significant difference between the two groups for any of our outcome measures at the final follow-up.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Is Preferred Over Mini-open Despite Similar Outcome: A Randomized Trial

“…Although we recognize that the DASH measures bilateral upper extremity function and that the patient can compensate for a one-sided disability for the purposes of the DASH, we believe it still captures a change in function postoperatively. The DASH questionnaire queries some activities (such as turn a key, push open a heavy door, place an object on a shelf above your head, carry a shopping bag or briefcase, carry a heavy object, change a light bulb overhead, and wash your back) and five items that evaluate [15,16,18] have reported that scar or pillar pain might subside approximately 3 months after the operation. Thus, we chose 3 months postoperatively as the time of evaluation to include scar pain as a possible factor that was affecting patient preference.…”

The Six-Item CTS Symptoms Scale and Palmar Pain Scale in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

“…7 Two other randomized trials have shown nearnormal mean CTS symptom severity score at 12 weeks postoperatively. 11,12 Consequently, a responsive measure of CTS symptoms should be able to detect change in CTS symptoms measured before surgery and at 10 to 52 weeks after surgery, and a measure of postoperative pain should be able to detect differences in pain severity measured at different time intervals during this postoperative period. Six-item CTS symptoms scale: This scale consists of 6 items that inquire about severity and frequency of night and daytime numbness and tingling and pain (Appendix 1).…”

Predictors of Scar Pain After Open Carpal Tunnel Release

“…Second, we arbitrarily decided on an evaluation time of 3 months after CTR. Although CTR induces scar pain in all patients soon after surgery, some authors 15,34 have indicated that scar pain usually subsides before 3 months postoperatively, whereas others 23,35 have noted that more than 30% of patients report scar pain at 3 months. In this study, the evaluation was done at 3 months after CTR because we intended to investigate the predictors of ongoing scar pain during this time period.…”