CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE: CLINICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES ASSESSED WITH THE LEVINE QUESTIONNAIRE

Abstract

Objective: To assess changes in symptoms and perceived function after surgical carpal tunnel release using the Levine Questionnaire. Methods: This longitudinal observational study used paired preoperative and postoperative assessments. Thirteen patients aged 18 to 65 years with moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome and/or symptoms refractory to conservative treatment were evaluated at the outpatient clinic of Hospital Regional de Sobradinho. The Levine Questionnaire was administered before and after surgery. The Research Ethics Committee approved the study (approval 6,721,155; CAAE 76982723.6.0000.5553), with a waiver of informed consent. Results: Most participants were women (69.2%); mean age was 52.7 ± 7.94 years, and the right side was affected in 69.2% of cases. The mean interval to postoperative assessment was 18.8 ± 7.9 days, based on data from 11 patients. The mean score across the 11 items decreased from 3.91 to 1.58 points, an absolute reduction of 2.33 points and a relative reduction of 59.5% (p < 0.001). Scores decreased for all items; the largest change was in the frequency of nocturnal paresthesia that disrupted sleep (69.1%). Conclusion: In this sample, surgical decompression was associated with early clinical and functional improvement. The small sample and short follow-up limit generalizability and assessment of whether these benefits are maintained over time.