Effect of wrist position on power grip and key pinch strength following carpal tunnel decompression

Power grip and thumb key pinch strength were measured pre- and immediately postoperatively in 30 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome while the wrist was in flexion and extension. The carpal tunnel decompression was performed under local infiltration with 1% lignocaine. Grip strength decreased more in wrist flexion than in wrist extension. No difference was found in thumb pinch strength. The authors conclude that some of the immediate postoperative loss of grip strength in wrist flexion can be attributed to prolapse of flexor tendons out of the carpal tunnel in this position.