Electromyographic changes after carpal tunnel release.

This prospective clinical study was designed to quantitate post-carpal tunnel release electromyographic (EMG) changes in the median nerve, and changes in static two-point discrimination, pinch strength, and grip strength. Carpal tunnel release was performed in 54 hands of 36 patients (average age of patients was 44.6 years). The EMG and clinical studies were completed just before surgery, at 2 weeks, and then at postoperative periods of 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. The sensory latencies and motor latencies were significantly (p less than 0.05) improved at the 3- and 6-month postoperative periods, respectively. The motor and sensory conduction velocities were significantly (p less than 0.05) improved as early as 2 weeks postoperatively. Two-point discrimination values were significantly (p less than 0.05) improved at 2 weeks postoperatively. For the pinch and grip strengths, significant (p less than 0.05) improvement did not occur until the 6- and 9-month postoperative periods, respectively. These results should be of considerable value, especially in the evaluation of the post-carpal tunnel release patient with persistent or recurrent symptoms.