Aim:Demyelination is the primary pathology in compression neuropathies, although axonal damage may occur as the disease progresses. This axonal damage does not improve in the early postoperative period, making it difficult to evaluate the results of surgical treatment. This study aimed to examine the correlation between clinical outcomes and electrophysiological findings following open carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery in patients with a positive scratch collapse (SC) test. Additionally, this study evaluated the postoperative course of the SC test.
Material and Methods:The study included 29 patients who had a positive SC test and a confirmed diagnosis based on nerve conduction study (NCS) findings. The findings of Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), visual analog scale (VAS), NCS, and SC test were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at the 2nd and 8th weeks. The correlations between NCS findings and BCTQ and VAS scores were analyzed.
Results:Significant postoperative improvements were observed in BCTQ and VAS scores at the 2nd and 8th weeks. In the 8th week, NCS findings also showed significant improvement; however, no correlation was found between NCS findings and functional scores. The SC test became negative in 89.6% (n = 26) of patients postoperatively.
Conclusion:In the early period following open CTR surgery, there is no correlation between improvements in NCS findings and functional scores. However, in 90% of patients with a positive preoperative SC test, the test became negative after open CTR surgery. Therefore, the SC test can be used to evaluate postoperative treatment results because it is easily applicable, repeatable, and cost-effective compared with NCS.