Comparative study of trimming and resection of diseased finger superficial flexor tendons in gouty carpal tunnel syndrome

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia can lead to synovial hyperplasia in the wrist. In severe cases, it can lead to the deposition of gouty stone in the carpal tunnel, resulting in increased pressure in the carpal tunnel and compression of the median nerve to cause carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which is called gouty carpal tunnel syndrome (GCTS). As for the surgical treatment of gouty carpal tunnel syndrome, scholars have different opinions on whether it is necessary to remove the superficial flexor tendon. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of trimming and resection of the diseased superficial flexor tendon in the treatment of gouty carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Clinical data were collected from May 2016 to July 2021 from 10 patients (13 affected wrists) diagnosed with gouty carpal tunnel syndrome and classified into two groups according to the surgical modality: the diseased portion of the gout-eroded superficial finger tendon was trimmed in 9 wrists, and the diseased superficial finger flexor tendon was excised in 4 wrists. Values related to flexion and extension functions, 2-PD, DASH, BCTQ, VAS and recurrence in the affected fingers were compared between the two groups as well as before and after surgery in each group. RESULTS: All affected limbs used were cleared of gouty stones, finger numbness improved, no skin necrosis occurred, and all incisions healed at stage I. At follow-up (13.58 ± 5.53 months), there was no significant difference between groups in flexion and extension function, 2-PD, DASH, BCTQ, and VAS with respect to the affected fingers, and patients in both groups improved significantly before and after surgery. Treatment of only one wrist involved trimming to remove lesion-affected portions of tendon, which reappeared 1 year after surgery, and there was one case of poor recovery from greater piriformis muscle atrophy in both procedures. CONCLUSION: Regarding surgical treatment of patients with gouty carpal tunnel syndrome in which the gouty stone has invaded the superficial flexor tendons of the fingers, the diseased superficial flexor tendons can be selectively excised, and the postoperative mobility of the affected fingers may not be impaired.