A systematic review of outcomes assessed in randomized controlled trials of surgical interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a reference tool
2006

Review of Surgical Outcomes for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sample size: 2232 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Christina Jerosch-Herold, José C de Carvalho Leite, Fujian Song

Primary Institution: School of Allied Health Professions, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

Hypothesis

Linking the outcomes to the ICF would highlight where outcome measures overlap in the concepts and domains which they assess.

Conclusion

The ICF provides a useful framework for identifying the concepts contained in outcome measures employed to date in trials of surgical intervention for CTS.

Supporting Evidence

  • Twenty-eight studies were retrieved which met the inclusion criteria.
  • The most frequently assessed outcomes were self-reported symptom resolution, grip or pinch strength and return to work.
  • The majority of outcome measures employed assessed impairment of body function and body structure.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different surgeries for carpal tunnel syndrome are measured and found that many focus on body function rather than how well people can do everyday activities.

Methodology

A systematic review was performed to identify the outcomes assessed and concepts contained in the measures used in trials of interventions for CTS, and to relate these concepts to the ICF as a reference tool.

Limitations

The review considered RCTs only, which may have excluded additional outcome domains and instruments reported in larger follow-up and cohort studies.

Participant Demographics

The studies included a total of 2232 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-7-96

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