The Validity of Electromyography and Patient Evaluation Measurement n Evaluating Late-term Satisfaction Level of Patients Undergone Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Decompression Surgery

Objective: This study investigated whether electromyelography (EMG) evaluation is helpful in the late phase after surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: This retrospective study included 35 patients who underwent mini-open decompression therapy between 2008 and 2011 with CTS diagnosis. Patients were assessed electrophysiologically and clinically with Patient Evaluation Measurement (PEM) scoring and handgrip, palmar grip, lateral grip, and fingertip grip strength. Additionally, patients' clinical scores and strength values were compared with electrophysiologic values from preoperative and postoperative 4-year controls. Results: According to the Padua classification, EMG data were classified before and after surgery. One patient had extreme grade, four patients had severe grade, 26 patients had moderate grade, and four had a mild grade before surgery. At the postoperative 4th year EMG follow-up, six patients were classified as minimal and 29 as negative. According to the PEM scale, the mean score before surgery was 58.77 +/- 7.89, and in the controls at the 4th year after surgery, the mean score was 13.48 +/- 4.01. The strength of the operated hand was significantly weaker than that of the contralateral healthy hand before surgery. However, in the controls at the 4th year after surgery, the strength of the operated hand was significantly increased compared with the preoperative period, and there was no significant difference from the contralateral hand. Conclusion: Electrophysiological assessment (EMG) in the late phase after surgical treatment of CTS has positive parallels with clinical assessment and strength assessment. Therefore, we conclude that EMG helps follow late surgical outcomes.