This column summarizes recent articles obtained by Medline pertaining to impairment, disability, and functional outcomes that may assist you in your use of the Guides.
This paper outlines the length of recovery following carpal tunnel release and assists in identifying a date for maximal medical improvement. Katz et al examined the postsurgical response to carpal tunnel release surgery (primarily open releases). The findings are relevant in advising patients about the course of medical recovery and in helping to assess the timeframe for maximal medical improvement. The strengths of the study are its prospective design, the 27-month follow up (which is greater than in previous studies), and the assessment of impairment and disability outcomes. The weaknesses of the study are the small sample size (n = 35) through the two-year follow up, the limited application due to a...
