There is conflicting evidence about the functional
outcome and rate of satisfaction of super-elderly patients (≥ 80 years
of age) after carpal tunnel decompression. We compiled outcome data for 756 patients who underwent a carpal
tunnel decompression over an eight-year study period, 97 of whom
were super-elderly, and 659 patients who formed a younger control
group (<
80 years old). There was no significant difference between
the super-elderly patients and the younger control group in terms
of functional outcome according to the mean (0 to 100) QuickDASH
score (adjusted mean difference at one year 1.8; 95% confidence
interval (CI) -3.4 to 7.0) and satisfaction rate (odds ratio (OR)
0.78; 95% CI 0.34 to 1.58). Super-elderly patients were, however,
more likely to have thenar muscle atrophy at presentation (OR 9.2,
95% CI 5.8 to 14.6). When nerve conduction studies were obtained,
super-elderly patients were more likely to have a severe conduction deficit
(OR 12.4, 95% CI 3.0 to 51.3). Super-elderly patients report functional outcome and satisfaction
rates equal to those of their younger counterparts. They are more
likely to have thenar muscle atrophy and a severe nerve conduction
deficit at presentation, and may therefore warrant earlier decompression. Cite this article:
