primary outcome:
Rehabilitation following carpal tunnel release
Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale (e.g. Functional Scale from the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH)). Long‐term benefit was defined as lasting three months or more.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. Alves 2011 did not assess function on a continuous scale; hence no data could be entered into RevMan. However, trialists reported that all participants in both groups returned to normal ADL.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more.Not reported.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more.Reported in Cebesoy 2007.Function was assessed using the Functional Severity Scale on the BCTQ preoperatively and three months post surgery in Cebesoy 2007. No statistically significant differences in function were noted between participants receiving bulky dressing and early mobilisation compared with those receiving splint and late mobilisation at three months post surgery (Analysis 3.1).Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. Not reported.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. In Gordon 2010, BCTQ Functional Status Score was used to measure functional ability at three, six to eight and 12 months post surgery. Statistics were reported graphically, and attempts to obtain numerical data from trial authors were unsuccessful.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. Not reported.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. Not reported.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. Not reported.Change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. Not reported.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. DASH was measured at five and a half months post treatment (six months post surgery). Investigators reported no statistically significant difference between treatments (Analysis 14.1).Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more.BCTQ Functional Status Scale was used to record functional ability at three months. Investigators reported no statistically significant benefit of graded desensitisation over standard treatment (Analysis 15.1).Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. Not reported.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more. Measured in Ritting 2012 but not in Williams 2008.Ritting 2012 measured overall results of the BCTQ (Symptom Severity Score and Functional Status Score reported as a combined score) at six to 12 weeks. As the functional status score was not reported separately, no data could be entered into Revman for this outcome.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more.Not reported.Long‐term change in self reported functional ability as measured on a continuous scale at three months or more.Not reported.