A Study of Sensory Recovery Following Carpal Tunnel Release Article

Jimenez, S, Hardy, MA, Horch, K et al. (1993). A Study of Sensory Recovery Following Carpal Tunnel Release . JOURNAL OF HAND THERAPY, 6(2), 124-129. 10.1016/S0894-1130(12)80293-6

cited authors

  • Jimenez, S; Hardy, MA; Horch, K; Jabaley, M

authors

abstract

  • The purpose of this study was to define the testing parameters that are most sensitive to sensory loss in carpal tunnel syndrome and then to track recovery of these sensations postoperatively. Two dozen patients underwent standard nerve decompression and were subsequently re-evaluated at six weeks, three months, and six months. The test battery included provocative maneuvers, light-touch threshold determined by manually applied monofilaments and skin indentation with the Automated Tactile Tester (ATT), manual two-point discrimination, manual highfrequency vibration and ATT low-frequency vibration, and ATT warmth detection. The most sensitive indicators of sensory abnormality were the ATT low-frequency vibration and skin indentation tests. Responses to all but these two tests returned to normal within two months postoperatively. The ATT indentation and vibration tests showed continual improvement over the study period, returning to nearly normal values by six months. Recommendations concerning the use of automated methods for testing sensory function are made in light of these findings. © 1993, Hanley & Belfus, Inc.. All rights reserved.

publication date

  • January 1, 1993

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 124

end page

  • 129

volume

  • 6

issue

  • 2