Electrophysiological and Functional Recovery After Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling, reduced hand strength, and difficulty performing daily activities. Carpal tunnel release surgery is commonly performed when symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment or when nerve compression is severe. However, recovery after surgery may differ between patients, and improvement in nerve conduction may not occur at the same rate as improvement in symptoms and hand function. The purpose of this prospective observational study is to examine the relationship between electrophysiological recovery of the median nerve and clinical and functional recovery after carpal tunnel release surgery. Adults who are already scheduled to undergo primary carpal tunnel release as part of their routine clinical care will be invited to participate. The decision to perform surgery will be made by the treating physician independently of study participation. Participants will undergo clinical and functional assessments before surgery and at postoperative week 8 These assessments will include questionnaires about carpal tunnel symptoms and upper-extremity function, pain severity, grip and pinch strength, sensory testing, and clinical examination. Nerve conduction studies will be evaluated before surgery and at postoperative month 3. The study will assess whether changes in median nerve conduction are associated with changes in symptoms, upper-extremity function, pain, hand strength, and sensory function. The possible effects of age, sex, body mass index, symptom duration, diabetes, and preoperative electrophysiological severity on recovery will also be examined. No experimental drug, device, surgical technique, or additional treatment will be assigned as part of this study.