Research Article

The Effect of an Open Carpal Tunnel Release on Thumb CMC Biomechanics

Table 1

Summary of mechanical properties for each combination of bones before and after open carpal tunnel release.

MeasurementIntact
(mean ± SD)
After release
(mean ± SD)
Difference
value

Rad-Met1 (adduction) (deg)2.2 ± 1.32.1 ± 1.66.6%0.69
Rad-Met1 (pronation) (deg)0.7 ± 0.60.7 ± 0.4−7.9%0.56
Rad-Met1 (dorsiflexion) (deg)3.5 ± 1.43.4 ± 1.53.0%0.78
Rad-Met1 (dorsal deviation) (mm)1.9 ± 1.62 ± 1.7−3.3%0.48
Rad-Met1 (subluxation) (mm)1.4 ± 0.71.5 ± 0.7−9.1%0.12
Rad-Met1 (ulnar deviation) (mm)1.5 ± 0.71.5 ± 0.6−5.5%0.54
Rad-Trap (adduction) (deg)1.9 ± 1.12.1 ± 1.2−10.2%0.17
Rad-Trap (pronation) (deg)2.9 ± 2.22.9 ± 2.4−0.9%0.83
Rad-Trap (dorsiflexion) (deg)2.0 ± 2.71.9 ± 2.34.1%0.70
Rad-Trap (dorsal deviation) (mm)1.3 ± 0.91.1 ± 0.811.0%0.13
Rad-Trap (subluxation) (mm)1.0 ± 1.11.0 ± 1.1−6.0%0.32
Rad-Trap (ulnar deviation) (mm)1.2 ± 0.51.3 ± 0.6−8.6%0.31
Trap-Met1 (adduction) (deg)9.0 ± 9.88.6 ± 8.85.1%0.60
Trap-Met1 (pronation) (deg)2.7 ± 1.72.6 ± 2.02.5%0.83
Trap-Met1 (dorsiflexion) (deg)12 ± 11.211.9 ± 11.21.3%0.80
Trap-Met1 (dorsal deviation) (mm)0.5 ± 0.20.6 ± 0.5−32.4%0.36
Trap-Met1 (subluxation) (mm)1.2 ± 1.21.2 ± 1.2−2.8%0.55
Trap-Met1 (ulnar deviation) (mm)0.7 ± 0.40.6 ± 0.45.3%0.39
Overall specimen stiffness (N/mm)48.9 ± 23.441.4 ± 18.415.3%0.11

Rad-Met: radius to 1st metacarpal; Rad-Trap: radius to trapezium; Trap-Met: trapezium to 1st metacarpal.