Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common entrapment neuropathy, refers to a group of signs and symptoms resulting from compression of the median nerve at the wrist. It can be treated surgically or nonsurgically. Controversy still exists whether nonsurgical treatment or surgical resection of the transverse carpal tunnel ligament is preferable. The division of the transverse carpal tunnel ligament for relief of carpal tunnel syndrome has been a standard operative procedure since the early 1950s.

To monitor the subjective and electrophysiologic effect of open carpal tunnel decompression and find factors useful in predicting postoperative prognosis, we evaluated 28 patients with 44 involved wrists.

The change of subjective symptom and electrophysiologic finding was evaluated by modified Levine's symptom severity scale and nerve conduction study in median nerve.

The results were as follows,

1) After carpal tunnel released operation, there were significant improvement in subjective symptoms and electrophysiological findings.

2) Young age and abnormality in median motor nerve conduction study preoperatively are favourble prognostic factors.

3) The electropysiologic study reflected clinical improvement, especially sensory than motor component.

Keywords :Carpal tunnel syndrome, Median nerve entrapment neuropathy, Operation, Nerve conduction study, Symptom severity score