Diabetes mellitus is recognised as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome. The response to treatment is unclear, and may be poorer than in non-diabetic patients. Previous randomised studies of interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome have specifically excluded diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients, and compare the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression with non-diabetic patients. The primary endpoint was improvement in the QuickDASH score. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 11.3% (176 of 1564). Diabetic patients were more likely to have severe neurophysiological findings at presentation. Patients with diabetes had poorer QuickDASH scores at one year post-operatively (p = 0.028), although the mean difference was lower than the minimal clinically important difference for this score. After controlling for underlying differences in age and gender, there was no difference between groups in the magnitude of improvement after decompression (p = 0.481). Patients with diabetes mellitus can therefore be expected to enjoy a similar improvement in function

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: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1234–8

We present the electromyographic (EMG) results ten years after open decompression of the median nerve at the wrist and compare them with the clinical and functional outcomes as judged by Levine’s Questionnaire. This retrospective study evaluated 115 patients who had undergone carpal tunnel decompression at a mean of 10.47 years (9.24 to 11.36) previously. A positive EMG diagnosis was found in 77 patients (67%), including those who were asymptomatic at ten years. It is necessary to include both clinical and functional results as well as electromyographic testing in the long-term evaluation of patients who have undergone carpal tunnel decompression particularly in those in whom revision surgery is being considered. In doubtful cases or when there are differing outcomes, self-administered scales such as Levine’s Questionnaire should prevail over EMG results when deciding on the need for revision surgery

Aims: To investigate the effect of age and occupation on the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression. Patients and Methods: A total of 271 patients undergoing primary carpal tunnel decompression by a single surgeon were studied. Patients with inflammatory joint disease, thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus were excluded. Outcome was assessed using the Levine-Katz carpal tunnel questionnaire at two weeks preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Cases were divided into six age groups (less than 40 years of age, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and over 80 years of age) and 12 occupational groups according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-88). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post ad-hoc analyses. Results: Overall there was an improvement in total Levine scores in 269 (99.3%) patients (mean change 33.1, 95%CI: 31.5 to 34.7). This change was greatest in those over 80 years of age (mean 35.8, 95%CI: 29.0 to 42.6) and in those who were service or sales workers (mean 39.6, 95%CI: 34.9 to 44.2), and least in the 70–79 age group (mean 30.7, 95%CI 25.7 to 35.8) and craft and trade workers (mean 29.8, 95%CI: 21.8 to 37.9). Patients reported a greater improvement in symptoms (mean score change 21.4, 95%CI: 20.2 to 22.2), than function (mean 12, 95%CI: 11.1 to 12.7). We found no significant difference in the total, functional or symptomatic Levine score changes between the six age groups (p=0.05) and the 12 occupation groups (p=0.05) following carpal tunnel decompression. Conclusion: Almost all patients improved after carpal tunnel decompression. However, we found no influence of age and occupation on the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression in our series of patients

Background. It was hypothesised that preserving a layer of gliding tissue, the parietal layer of the ulnar bursa, between the contents of the carpal tunnel and the soft tissues incised during carpal tunnel surgery might reduce scar pain and improve grip strength and function following open carpal tunnel decompression. Methods. Patients consented to randomisation to treatment with either preservation of the parietal layer of the ulnar bursa beneath the flexor retinaculum at the time of open carpal tunnel decompression (57 patients) or division of this gliding layer as part of a standard open carpal tunnel decompression (61 patients). Grip strength was measured, scar pain was rated and the validated Patient Evaluation Measure questionnaire was used to assess symptoms and disability pre-operatively and at eight to nine weeks following surgery in seventy-seven women and thirty-four men; the remaining seven patients were lost to follow-up. Results. There was no difference between the groups with respect to age, sex, hand dominance or side of surgery. Grip strength, scar pain and Patient Evaluation Measure score were not significantly different between the two groups, although there was a trend towards poorer subjective outcome as demonstrated by the questionnaire in the group in which the ulnar bursa within the carpal tunnel had been preserved. Preserving the ulnar bursa within the carpal tunnel did however result in a lower prevalence of suspected wound infection or inflammation (p=0.04). Conclusions. In this group of patients, preservation of the ulnar bursa around the median nerve during open carpal tunnel release produced no significant difference in grip strength or self-rated symptoms. We recommend incision of the ulnar bursa during open carpal tunnel decompression to allow complete visualisation of the median nerve and carpal tunnel contents

Aim: Osteoarthritis of the wrist is a well recognised cause of secondary carpal tunnel syndrome. The aim of the study is to compare the outcome following carpal tunnel decompression with regard to patient satisfaction. We compared the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression between patients with and with out osteoarthritis of the wrist. Patients and Methods: The study was done retrospectively. Clinical notes of all the patients who underwent carpal tunnel decompression over a period of 8 years were verified. Twenty four patients who underwent surgical decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to osteoarthritis were identified by reviewing the notes and the radiographs. Control group consisted of 24 patients who under went carpal tunnel decompression but without osteoarthritis of the wrist. The control group was matched for age, sex, side, and neuro-physiological severity of the nerve compression. Clinical notes were verified to find whether the patients were satisfied with the symptom relief at the first post-operative follow up visit. Results: There were 24 patients in the group with osteoarthritis of the wrist. The mean age of the patients was 71 years (range 33–89 years). There were 19 females and five males. The right hand was involved in 17 patients and the left was involved in 7 patients. The control group with out osteoarthritis also had similar distribution regarding age sex side, and neuro-physiological severity of nerve conduction. In the group with osteoarthritis of the wrist 17(71%) patients reported the their symptom relief as satisfactory and the rest seven(29%) reported the results as unsatisfactory. In the control group 23(96%) patients reported their symptom relief as satisfactory and one (4%) reported their results as unsatisfactory (P= 0.0325). Conclusions: Patient satisfaction following surgical decompression in patients with secondary carpal tunnel syndrome due to osteoarthritis is significantly lower compared to patients with out osteoarthritis of the wrist. Patients with osteoarthritis of the wrist should be warned about the higher incidence of poor outcome prior to decompression

Carpal tunnel decompression is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic operations. Last year 160 patients attended our department for surgery. There have been reports in the literature of good results and improved patient satisfaction for wound closure with Vicryl Rapide following Dupuytren's surgery. We looked at 200 consecutive patients who underwent carpal tunnel decompression. Wounds were closed using either non-absorbable monofilament sutures (first 97 patients) or interrupted Vicryl Rapide (next 103 patients). We compared the incidence of wound problems in the early post operative period, scar sensitivity and the number of patients requiring a further outpatient appointment because of ongoing problems associated with these issues. There was a higher incidence of early wound problems (p=0.0359) in patients whose wounds were closed with nylon. There was no difference in the rates of scar tenderness (p=1) or in the number of patients requiring further clinic appointments (p=0.356). There are also potential cost savings in using absorbable sutures as they require fewer sundry items at the dressings clinic. In conclusion there were fewer problems associated with wound closure with interrupted Vicryl Rapide sutures than with nylon in patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression

The aim of this study was to prospectively audit the results of carpal tunnel decompression using a subjective patient derived outcome score (modified Boston Symptom Severity Score) and to examine the relationship between symptom severity scores and nerve conduction studies. Prospective cohort study of all patients undergoing open carpal tunnel decompression at Dunedin Hospital over a 13-month period from December 2003 – January 2005. Demographic details collected included age, sex, duration of symptoms, diabetes, occupation and ACC status. Pre-operative investigations consisted of nerve conduction studies and a modified version of the Boston Symptom Severity Score developed for this study. Symptom severity scores were reassessed six months post-operatively. One hundred and ten patients participated in the study. Mean pre-operative Boston Symptom Severity Score was 3.35 (1= normal, 5=severe). Post-operatively this improved to mean 1.66, median 1.45. Ninety three percent of patients were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their results. Age and duration of symptoms were not significant predictors of poor outcome. The majority of patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression were satisfied with the outcome and had excellent or good outcomes as determined by symptom severity score. The use of preoperative nerve conduction studies help in diagnosis and prognosis

The April 2015 Wrist & Hand Roundup360 looks at: Non-operative hand fracture management; From the sublime to the ridiculous?; A novel approach to carpal tunnel decompression; Osteoporosis and functional scores in the distal radius; Ulnar variance and force distribution; Tourniquets in carpal tunnel under the spotlight; Scaphoid fractures reclassified; Osteoporosis and distal radial fracture fixation; PROMISing results in the upper limb

Efficient utilisation of the trauma list is an important aspect of trauma care in the NHS. An audit of the trauma theatre time utilisation was done from April 1999 to March 2000. Ideally the first case should start at 8:30 am. However, we found that the first patient was on the operating table only by 9:40 am (mean). The main reasons for the delay were the time required for the anaesthetist to see the patient and the other staff to set up the necessary equipments. We decided to identify the first case of the trauma list the day before, so that the anaesthetist can review the patient the previous day. We felt that this would also give adequate time for the theatre staff to set up their instruments. However, this did not improve the theatre timings. We introduced the novel idea of performing a carpal tunnel decompression at the beginning of each trauma list to make use of the redundant time without an extra financial burden to the hospital. Carpal tunnel decompression can be performed under local anaesthetic by a basic grade surgeon. This would also give time for the anaesthetist and the consultant surgeon to review the patients on the trauma list. The theatre time utilisation was re-audited a year following the introduction of carpal tunnel release. The patient for carpal tunnel decompression was on table at 8:44 am (mean). The first trauma case was on operating table at 9:46 am (mean). Therefore, in spite of performing an additional surgery on the list, there was a delay of only 6 minutes. This simple idea has helped us to do an additional case every day with only a 6 minute delay to the trauma list

Current opinion is divided as to whether carpal tunnel syndrome requiring operative decompression can be caused by an occupation. The aims of this study were to define the lamb freezing worker population who acquire carpal tunnel syndrome and to confirm or refute lamb boning as an occupational cause for carpal tunnel syndrome. Roles, gender age and exposure periods of all workers who had carpal tunnel decompressions over the past six seasons at the largest lamb Freezing Works in the world were examined. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for boners, slaughter men and non-knife labourers was performed and tested for significance. Chi-square analysis and ANOVA were performed for gender and age. Age and gender-adjusted Cox regression analysis was performed to establish relative risks/hazard ratios for each of the three groups developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Incidences for boners and non-knife hands were calculated. Comparison of this population and a standard carpal tunnel population was performed. Two hundred and eighty five carpal tunnel decompressions were performed in workers who failed conservative management at the largest lamb freezing works in the world by a single surgeon after neurophyiological-test confirmation of the diagnosis. Of those having surgery 79% were men: 21% female and this was significant with Chi square testing (p< 0.01). At decompression boners were significantly younger than non-knife hands (p< 0.01). Adjusting for age and gender boners were 120% more likely to need decompression than non-knife labourers (p< 0.01). The median survival for a lamb boner’s carpal tunnel at five years was 44%. The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in lamb boners was 10% (person-seasons). This population is entirely different to the published idiopathic population requiring carpal tunnel decompression which is predominantly female with meanage of 55. To our knowledge this is the first study to provide sound evidence that carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by an occupation. We have quantified this and welcome ideas for further work in this fascinating a uniquely New Zealand population

Introduction and Aims: It has been suggested that elderly patients have poorer outcomes following carpal tunnel decompression than younger patients, especially if there is severe compression. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of carpal tunnel decompression in the elderly patient and whether the outcome could be predicted from pre-operative nerve conduction studies. Method: A retrospective study of all patients over 70 years who had a carpal tunnel release over a three-year period at Dunedin Hospital, with a minimum one-year follow-up. Pre-operative nerve conduction studies were graded from one to six according to severity. Patients were followed up by postal questionnaire (Boston carpal tunnel symptom severity score) and telephone follow-up. Results: 109 procedures were performed in 96 patients. Eight patients had died, two excluded (one with Motor Neurone disease and one acute CTS following fracture) and five were demented and unable to fill out the questionnaire. Eighty-one patients with 92 wrists were available for review. Mean age was 78.6 years. Eighty percent had marked to severe neurophysiological changes (Grade 4–6). Post-operatively, the median Boston score was 1.27 with 84% having a Boston score of < 2.0. Patients were satisfied with the result in 94.6% of procedures. There was a positive correlation between nerve conduction grade and post-operative Boston Score (p=0.042). Conclusion: Despite nerve conduction studies consistent with marked to severe compression, elderly patients have low symptom severity scores following carpal tunnel decompression and a high rate of satisfaction. Carpal tunnel release in patients over 70 years of age is justified and usually associated with a good outcome

Pain produced by the tourniquet is a common source of complaint for patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression. Practice varies as to tourniquet position. There is little evidence to suggest benefit of one position over another. Our aim was to compare the experience of both the patient and the surgeon with the tourniquet placed either on the arm or the forearm. Ethical approval was granted. Following power calculation and a significance level set at 0.05, 100 patients undergoing open carpal tunnel decompression under local anaesthetic were randomised to arm or forearm group. Visual Analogue Scores (VAS) (0–100) for pain, blood pressure and heart rate were taken at 2 minute intervals. The operating surgeon provided a VAS for bloodless field achieved and obstruction caused by the tourniquet. The demographics of the groups was similar. There were no statistically significant differences in any measure between the groups. Average tourniquet times were 8.8 minutes (forearm) and 8.2 minutes (arm). The average VAS score for forearm and arm was 13 and 11 respectively for bloodless field, 9 and 2 for obstruction. Average overall VAS for pain was 27 in each group, however interval VAS scores for pain were higher in the arm group. The average change Mean Arterial Pressure was −5 mmHg (forearm) −2 mmHg (arm) pulse rate was −1 bpm (forearm) and −2 bpm (arm). Tourniquet placement on the arm does not result in significant difference in patient pain, physiological response or length of operation. Surgeons reported less obstruction and better bloodless fields with an arm tourniquet, however there was a trend for forearm tourniquet to result in less pain for the patient

Aims: This is a prospective study that evaluates the impact of psychological disturbance upon symptoms, self-reported disability and surgical outcome in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: We recruited a consecutive series of 84 patients with a clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptom severity and disability were assessed using the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (Levine et al 1993). Psychological distress was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Zigmond & Snaith 1983). Questionnaires were administered before and six-weeks after open carpal tunnel decompression. Complete pre and postoperative data were available for 69/84 patients (82%). A statistical correlation of psychological distress with symptoms, self reported disability and surgical outcome was performed. Results: There was a signiþcant correlation between the psychological disturbance (the HAD score) and the pre-operative symptom severity (correlation coefþcient = 0.37, p < 0.04) and function scales (correlation coefþcient = 0.55, p < 0.0001) of the Boston carpal tunnel score. Self reported symptoms improved following surgery in 65/69 patients (94%). The mean symptom score improved from 3.01 pre-op to 1.69 post-op (p < 0.0001). Function and psychological distress improved signiþcantly following surgery. Conclusions: There was no signiþcant correlation between pre-operative psychological distress and the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression though there was signiþcant correlation with symptom severity

The primary aim was to determine the rate of complications and re-intervention rate in a consecutive series of operatively managed distal radius fractures. Data was retrospectively collected on 304 adult distal radius fractures treated at our institution in a year. Acute unstable displaced distal radius fractures surgically managed within 28 days of injury were included. Demographic and injury data, as well as details of complications and their subsequent management were recorded. There were 304 fractures in 297 patients. The mean age was 57yrs and 74% were female. Most patients were managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (n=278, 91%), with 6% (n=17) managed with manipulation and Kirschner wires and 3% (n=9) with bridging external fixation. Twenty-seven percent (n=81) encountered a post-operative complication. Complex regional pain syndrome was most common (5%, n=14), followed by loss of reduction (4%). Ten patients (3%) had a superficial wound infection managed with oral antibiotics. Deep infection occurred in one patient. Fourteen percent (n=42) required re-operation. The most common indication was removal of metalwork (n=27), followed by carpal tunnel decompression (n=4) and revision ORIF (n=4). Increasing age (p=0.02), male gender (p=0.02) and high energy mechanism of injury (p<0.001) were associated with developing a complication. High energy mechanism was the only factor associated with re-operation (p<0.001). This study has documented the complication and re-intervention rates following distal radius fracture fixation. Given the increased risk of complications and the positive outcomes reported in the literature, non-operative management of displaced fractures should be considered in older patients

Introduction: Carpal tunnel decompression is the most commonly performed procedure in hand surgery. This study was done to assess the effectiveness and acceptability by patients of open carpal tunnel release under local anaesthetic and compare our results with previous published work from our department following alterations to our operative techniques. Methods: 92 carpal tunnel releases were performed on 80 patients over a four year period, 2001 to 2004. 55 were females and 25 were males. A patient satisfaction survey was done by a postal questionnaire which addressed opinion regarding preference for LA over GA, pain due to LA infiltration, effectiveness of LA, patient comfort during surgery, outcome of surgery and overall satisfaction with the procedure. In this cohort of patients we did not use a tourniquet which caused severe pain in 29% of cases in the previous study. We also administered LA with adrenaline using a dental syringe to reduce pain which was previously reported as severe in 20% of cases. Results: 62 patients replied to the questionnaire, a response rate of 77.5%. Preference for LA over GA was 90% as compared to 70% in the previous study. Pain due to tourniquet use was previously reported as severe in 29% of cases but this did not apply in this subset of patients. Pain due to infiltration of LA with a dental syringe was severe in 9% of cases compared to 20% with a 25G needle. Effectiveness of LA, outcome of surgery and overall satisfaction with the procedure remained unchanged. Conclusion: Carpal tunnel decompression is a quick, convenient, inexpensive and safe method of treatment. We have demonstrated that injecting LA with adrenaline using a dental syringe obviates the need for tourniquet and improves patients’ acceptability and tolerance of this procedure

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most commonly occurring peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome and perhaps also the commonest peripheral nerve to be released. Increasingly there is a suggestion that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a bilateral disease with the reported incidence of between 16% and 87% and hence the enthusiasts favour bilateral simultaneous carpal tunnel decompression (CTD). Our hypothesis is that there is an increased likelihood of over-treating these patients with this approach of simultaneous carpal tunnel decompression. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to review records of 245 patients who underwent CTD at the Regional Hand Surgery Unit between April 2005 and August 2007. Patients who were referred with symptoms of bilateral CTS and underwent open CTD on at least one wrist were included in the study. The two groups hence formed were Group A comprising patients who underwent consecutive CTD where as Group B comprised patients who underwent only unilateral CTD before discharge. All patients booked for surgery were provided with a resting splint preoperatively. They were reviewed on one or more occasion before listing for decompression on the other side or discharged. Results: A total of 131 met the inclusion criterion. Group A includes 76 (58%) patients and had symptoms on both sides and signs in 64 (84%) patients. Nerve conduction tests confirmed median nerve compression in 59/60 (98%) patients. Group B includes 55 (42%) patients and had symptoms suggestive of CTS on both sides and signs in 45 (82%) patients. Nerve conduction studies confirmed nerve compression in 38/41 (93%) patients. All patients were followed up for minimum of 6 months before being discharged from further review. At the end of the study, 48/131 (37 %) patients were successfully discharged after a minimum of six months follow up without an operation on the contralateral side. Discussion: Our study has confirmed the bilateral nature of the disease. Current literature supports simultaneous CTD as it has been shown to be economic to the patient, employers and the healthcare industry. Studies have shown that symptoms are usually severe on one side and sometimes treatment of one hand may lead to the improvement, exacerbation or absence of effect in the other hand regardless of electromyographic findings. 45/131 (37 %) patients in our study were successfully discharged without an operation on the contralateral side after a minimum of six months follow up. Hence, this supports our hypothesis that by following an approach of simultaneous bilateral CTD, there is a increased likelihood of over-treating these patients and exposing them to the potential complications

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral mononeuropathy seen in clinical practice. Approximately 34% of CTS patients undergo carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) surgery, in the UK. We investigated the change in epidemiology of CTD based on sex, age, socio-economic deprivation and geographical location, in Scotland, over the last 20 years. 76,076 CTD were performed between 1996–2015 (71% female, M:F ratio 1:2.4). The overall incidence rate of CTD was 73/100,000 person years. The mean age was 50–59 years old for both sexes. Socio-economic deprivation was associated with higher incidence rates of CTD (most deprived 89/100,000 person years and least deprived 64/100,000 person years) (p<0.01). NHS health boards with low populations and a more rural location had higher incidence rates; mean 98/100,000 person years (range 4–238/100,000 person years) compared to high population heath boards in urban locations; mean 74/100,000 person years (range 4–149/100,000 person years) (p<0.01). There has been a significant increase in number and overall incidence of CTD, in Scotland, during the study period: in 1996, 1,156 CTD performed (incidence 23/100,000 person years) vs. 2015, 5,292 CTD performed (incidence 87/100,000 person years) (p<0.01). We conclude that middle aged females are still the most common demographic undergoing CTD but the incidence rate is increasing over time. There appears to be an association between CTD and socio-economic deprivation. The incidence of CTD, and change over time, differs between health boards

A variation of the motor branch of the median nerve is described in which this branch arose more proximally and pierced the flexor retinaculum. Its significance during a carpal tunnel decompression is pointed out

The postoperative course of median nerve decompression in the carpal tunnel syndrome may sometimes be complicated by postoperative pain, paresthesias, and other unpleasant symptoms, or be characterized by a slow recovery of nerve function due to prolonged preoperative injury causing extensive nerve damage. The aim of this study is to explore any possible effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in the postoperative period after surgical decompression of the median nerve at the wrist. Patients were enrolled with proven carpal tunnel syndrome and randomly assigned into one of two groups: Group A: surgical decompression of the median nerve followed by ALA for 40 days. Group P: surgical decompression followed by placebo. The primary endpoint of the study was nerve conduction velocity at 3 months post surgery, Other endpoints were static 2 point discrimination, the Boston score for hand function, pillar pain and use of pain killers beyond the second postoperative day. ALA did not show to significantly improve nerve conduction velocity or Boston score. However, a statistically significant reduction in the postoperative incidence of pillar pain was noted in Group A. In addition, static 2 point discrimination showed to be significantly improved by ALA. Administration of ALA following decompression of the median nerve for carpal tunnel release is effective on nerve recovery, although this is not detectable through nerve conduction studies but in terms of accelerated and improved static two-point discrimination. The use of ALA as a supplementation for nerve recovery after surgical decompression may be extended to all types of compression syndromes or conditions where a nerve is freed from a mechanical insult. Furthermore, ALA limits post-decompression pain, including late pericicatricial pain at the base of the palm, the so called pillar pain, which seems to be associated with a reversible damage to the superfical sensitive small nerve fibers. In conclusion postoperative administration of ALA for 40 days post-median nerve decompression was positively associated with nerve recovery, induced a lower incidence of postoperative pillar pain and was associated with a more rapid improvement of static two-point discrimination. This treatment is well tolerated and associated with high levels of satisfaction and compliance, supporting its value as a standard postoperative supplementation after carpal tunnel decompression