Quality of life and health of people undergoing median nerve decompression surgery

Abstract

Theoretical framework: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the functionality of the upper limbs. Objective: To assess symptom severity and functional status, using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), and quality of life, using the SF-36 v2, in the preoperative period and two months after surgery. Methodology: Prospective study of 50 patients (60.7±11.7 years) who underwent decompression surgery. Participants were mostly women (52%), with 62% of them being post-menopausal women. Diabetes (8%), overweight (48%), and class I (26%) and class II obesity (4%) were found to be risk factors for CTS. Results: In the preoperative period, the affected hand had significantly less grip and pinch strength than the contralateral hand. The follow-up results suggest a decrease in symptom severity and an increase in functional status. Conclusion: Significant changes towards improving health-related quality of life were observed in the SF-36 v2 subscales: physical functioning, bodily pain, mental health, role-emotional, social functioning and vitality.