Surgery is More Cost-Effective than Splinting for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Ingeborg BC Korthals-de Bos, Annette AM Gerritsen, Maurits W van Tulder, Maureen PMH Rutten-van Mölken, Herman J Adèr, Henrica CW de Vet, Lex M Bouter
Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
Is surgery more cost-effective than splinting for treating carpal tunnel syndrome?
Conclusion
In the Netherlands, surgery is more cost-effective compared with splinting, and recommended as the preferred method of treatment for patients with CTS.
Supporting Evidence
- The success rate in the surgery group was 92%, significantly higher than the 72% in the splint group.
- The mean total costs per patient were similar between the surgery and splint groups.
- At a ceiling ratio of EURO 2,500 per patient, there is a 90% probability that surgery is cost-effective.
Takeaway
This study found that surgery works better and costs about the same as splinting for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
Methodology
Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly assigned to receive either splinting or surgery, and their outcomes were measured over 12 months.
Limitations
Results may not be applicable to other countries where surgery costs are higher.
Participant Demographics
Patients were adults aged 18 and older with clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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