Analysis of the Long-Term Outcome in Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgeries with and without External Neurolysis of Median Nerve, Using Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)–Hindi Version

Background The effectiveness of open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is well known. However, the role of ancillary external neurolysis of the median nerve is not well-documented. The Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) is a commonly used disease-specific outcome instrument for CTS, which is validated across major languages of the world. No such validated Hindi version of BCTQ exists. Objectives To analyze and compare the long-term outcome in patients who underwent OCTR alone and OCTR with external neurolysis of the median nerve, using BCTQ–Hindi version, while checking its validity. Materials and Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care institute. The BCTQ was translated into Hindi language by a language expert. Eighty-four consecutive patients who underwent either unilateral/bilateral OCTR, with or without external neurolysis of the median nerve, between 2009 and 2019 were included in the study. Outcome analysis was done using BCTQ–Hindi version and patient satisfaction scoring. BCTQ–Hindi version was examined for statistical validity. Subgroup analysis of the outcome based on surgical technique (OCTR vs. OCTR with external neurolysis) used was carried out. Results Response rate was 80.9%. Total hands evaluated were 108. BCTQ–Hindi version showed statistical validity. Overall symptom severity score (SSS) and functional severity score (FSS) were 1.14 ± 0.4 and 1.12 ± 0.35, respectively. Subgroup analysis of outcome revealed statistically significant results in favor of OCTR with external neurolysis of the median nerve. Conclusions BCTQ–Hindi version is statistically validated. OCTR with external neurolysis of the median nerve is a promising avenue in surgical management of CTS. Further prospective studies are warranted.