Neurophysiological recovery 5 years after carpal tunnel release in patients with diabetes

Introduction: The long-term results of neurophysiological recovery after carpal tunnel release in patients with diabetes have not been studied. Methods: Thirty-five patients with diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were matched with 31 patients without diabetes who had idiopathic CTS, and 27 and 30 patients, respectively, participated in this follow-up study. Nerve conduction results at 5 years were compared with previously published results at baseline and 1 year. Results: Significant neurophysiological improvement continued from 1 to 5 years after carpal tunnel release for patients with and without diabetes. However, wrist-palm sensory conduction velocity was still abnormal for 85% and 43% of patients with and without diabetes, respectively. Although diabetes had an impact on 4 of 10 measured neurophysiological parameters, the influence of peripheral neuropathy seemed insignificant. Discussion: After carpal tunnel release, significant long-term neurophysiological improvement is possible for patients with diabetes, and it is not influenced by the presence of peripheral neuropathy.