Restitution of sensation and possibilities of daily living activities in patients after surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of applied rehabilitation program and compare sensation levels with functional possibilities of the operated hand in a group of patients after surgery due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Material and methods: Fourty patients who underwent rehabilitation were admitted to the hand rehabilitation centre after surgical release of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Fifty hands were treated and evaluated. The rehabilitation program was established on an individual basis for each patient and included patient’s education, home exercises and physiotherapy treatment in outpatient centers. Skin sensation of the hands was evaluated by static two-point discrimination test. Based on this examination, sensibility indices for the median and ulnar nerves were calculated. Final results were compared to the Alderson-McGall Hand Function Questionnaire for Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.Results: After rehabilitation, skin sensation in the area of the median nerve improved, as measured by the sensibility index. Improvement was observed for most of the evaluated functions of the rehabilitated hands, while a different degree of improvement was noted. Sensibility index showed weak correlation with functional status and was observed only for some functions. Conclusion: In patients operated because of carpal tunnel syndrome, improvement in skin sensibility and functional abilities are observed in the operated hands after a rehabilitation program involving education, home exercises and outpatient sessions.