Is Boston questionnaire an alternative to electromyography for evaluation of the surgical outcome for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Objectives: This study aims to identify the optimal follow-up method for evaluation of the surgical outcome for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Patients and methods: Between January 2006 and December 2010, 61 hands of a total of 46 patients (7 males, 39 females; mean age 56.0 +/- 10.4 years; range, 20 to 71 years) with a diagnosis of CTS were retrospectively analyzed. All operations were performed by a single surgeon with a mini-incision distal to the transverse carpal ligament. At a mean follow-up of seven years after surgery, electromyography (EMG) was repeated for all patients. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), Boston Symptom Severity Scale, Boston Functional Status Scale, palmar pinch strength, grip strength, and EMG of the patients were compared before and after surgery. Results: The mean follow-up was 84410 (range, 72 to 104) months. There were significant improvements in the Boston Symptom and Functional Scale scores postoperatively, as well as in the grip and pinch strength. After surgery, EMG findings improved in 83.6% of the patients. However, there was no significant correlation between pre- and postoperative Boston Symptom Severity Scale scores, functional status, pinch and grip strengths, and pre- and postoperative EMG results. Conclusion: Our study results demonstrate that the symptom severity and functional status scores of the BCTQ are favorable, and this tool is reliable and easy-to-apply for the diagnosis and follow-up of CTS surgeries.