The Course and Outcomes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with limited access to healthcare. The aim was to investigate the course and outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) during this time. Methods: We included 63 patients with CTS from one of our previous studies. Patients were contacted telephonically between August 2024 and March 2026. The mean time-interval between previous and the current assessment was 5.33 ± 0.60 years. Patients were interviewed regarding severity and treatment of CTS. Results: 23 (36.5%) of patients underwent surgery. This group was characterized by the higher male proportion and the worse baseline Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) score. BCTQ improved in all patients but to the more extent in those who received surgery. Conclusion: Pandemic was associated with low rate of surgery for CTS. Surgical treatment was associated with better outcome, although patients not treated surgically might also improve. Worse clinical symptoms and male gender may be associated with pursue of surgical therapy during its limited availability.