SIMULTANEOUS CARPAL-TUNNEL RELEASE AND DUPUYTRENS FASCIECTOMY

Simultaneous operations for carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren's disease have been reported in only one study which recommended staged treatment because there was an 87% complication rate with simultaneous treatment. The present study reviewed simultaneous treatment of 30 patients during a 20-year period. Complications and unfavourable results were compared to similar groups of patients who underwent either Dupuytren's fasciectomy or carpal tunnel release as sole procedures. Early complications (13%) were far less than in previous studies and were easily corrected. The incidence of recurrence and extension (20%) was lower than in the Dupuytren's fasciectomy group and much lower than in previous reports. Simultaneous carpal tunnel release and Dupuytren's fasciectomy are strongly recommended when these conditions are both present in the same hand.