Carpal tunnel surgery: patient preferences and predictors for satisfaction

rpal tunnel surgery: patient preferences and predictors for satisfaction Review (1064) Total Article Views Authors: Shifflett GD, Dy CJ, Daluiski A Published Date September 2012 Volume 2012:6 Pages 685 - 689 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S36088 Received: 19 July 2012 Accepted: 15 August 2012 Published: 27 September 2012 Grant D Shifflett, Christopher J Dy, Aaron Daluiski Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA Abstract: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a debilitating disease of the upper extremity affecting patient function and quality of life. Surgical interventions have been developed that effectively treat this disease. However, there remains a subset of patients who are not fully satisfied with their outcome. Extensive investigation has been undertaken to analyze preoperative factors predictive of higher patient satisfaction. This review summarizes the role of unique patient characteristics and patient psychology, worker’s compensation, patient demographics, certain clinical features, and patient preferences and expectations regarding patient satisfaction following carpal tunnel surgery. Understanding the complex nature of patient satisfaction will enable surgeons to indicate patients for surgical intervention better, provide appropriate preoperative counseling, and manage expectations postoperatively.