A five-year retrospective cohort study of carpal tunnel surgery complications in an Australian population

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common compressive neuropathy. There is a lack of comprehensive studies evaluating carpal tunnel release (CTR) complications in Australia. This study aimed to evaluate complication rates associated with open and endoscopic CTR in an Australian population, and to identify associated risk factors. 

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 1287 CTR from 2015 to 2020. Methods of release were endoscopic, open and surgery concomitant with synovectomy or other. Outcomes included wound infection, dehiscence, nerve injury, complex regional pain syndrome, incomplete release, and re-operation. Statistical analysis included Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, Odds ratio and logistic regression. 

Results: There were 71 total complications (5.5%), including 35 Clavien–Dindo IIIb complications. There was no difference in complication rates for endoscopic (3.3%) versus open (8.3%) CTR (P = 0.18). The overall rate of complications was higher in CTR with concomitant surgery (8.5%) compared to CTR alone (5.2%), though this was not statistically significant (P = 0.058). There was no association between rates of complications and immune suppression (p = 0.55), rheumatoid disease (P = 0.61), or smoking status (P = 0.72). Diabetes mellitus was associated with an increased risk of Clavien-Dindo IIIb complications (P = 0.028, OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.07–4.32). There was no association between surgical experience and complication rate (P = 0.55). 

Conclusion: Open and endoscopic CTR surgeries have similar rates of complications. Diabetes is associated with higher rates of Clavien-Dindo IIIb complications. Identification of high-risk patients allows for the application of risk-mitigation strategies in the perioperative setting.