Deep postoperative wound infection after carpal tunnel release.

Between January 1976 and December 1985, 3620 carpal tunnel releases were done at the Mayo Clinic. A deep postoperative infection developed in 17 (0.47%) patients. These 17 were compared control group of 102 patients to identify possible risk factors. Statistically significant risk factors included intraoperative instillation of steroid solution into the carpal canal, flexor tendon synovectomy, prolonged operative time, and use of a surgical drain. Infection incidence was 0.87% in males and 0.25% in females (statistically significant). Seven (41%) of the 17 patients had a suboptimal result at final follow-up.