High-Density Porous Polyethylene Implant Cranioplasty: A Systematic Review of Outcomes.

Porous polyethylene has been widely used in craniofacial reconstruction due to its biomechanical properties and ease of handling. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to summarize outcomes utilizing high-density porous polyethylene (HDPP) implants in cranioplasty. A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify original studies with HDPP cranioplasty from inception to March 2023. Non-English articles, commentaries, absent indications or outcomes, and nonclinical studies were excluded. Data on patient demographics, indications, defect size and location, outcomes, and patient satisfaction were extracted. Summary statistics were calculated using weighted averages based on the available reported data. A total of 1089 patients involving 1104 cranioplasty procedures with HDPP were identified. Patients' mean age was 44.0 years (range 2 to 83 y). The mean follow-up duration was 32.0 months (range 2 wk to 8 y). Two studies comprising 17 patients (1.6%) included only pediatric patients. Alloplastic cranioplasty was required after treatment of cerebrovascular diseases (50.9%), tumor excision (32.0%), trauma (11.4%), trigeminal neuralgia/epilepsy (3.4%), and others such as abscesses/cysts (1.4%). The size of the defect ranged from 3 to 340 cm 2 . An overall postoperative complication rate of 2.3% was identified, especially in patients who had previously undergone surgery at the same site. When data were available, contour improvement and high patient satisfaction were reported in 98.8% and 98.3% of the patients. HDPP implants exhibit favorable outcomes for reconstruction of skull defects. Higher complication rates may be anticipated in secondary cranioplasty cases.

Evaluation of predictive factors of septic wrist to avoid overdiagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The existing diagnostic criteria for septic wrist are nonspecific, exposing patients with noninfectious etiologies to surgical morbidity. This study aimed to identify predictors differentiating septic wrist from other etiologies. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review was conducted on patients with a presumed diagnosis of septic wrist (2003-2022). Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify correlation between confirmed septic wrist and comorbidities (autoimmune diseases, immunosuppression, crystalline arthropathy, intravenous [IV] drug use, smoking), penetrating trauma, fever, multi-joint involvement, inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]/C-reactive protein [CRP]/white blood cells [WBC]), serum uric acid level, blood cultures, imaging findings, and synovial fluid analysis. Categorical data were reported as median [interquartile range]. RESULTS: Hundred and sixty-eight (58 females and 110 males) patients were included. The median length of hospitalization and follow-up were 6[7] days and 1[3] months. Eighty-nine (53%) patients had septic wrist confirmed with Gram stain/culture, 48 (29%) patients received alternative diagnoses, and 31 (18%) patients had undetermined diagnoses. Concomitant septic wrist and crystalline arthropathy were identified in 9 patients (6.6% of total patients). Out of the 48 patients who received alternative diagnoses, 12 (25%) underwent open drainage. Elevated synovial WBC count (95,409.4 ± 85,926.2) showed a trend of association with septic wrist (p = 0.08). Negative synovial crystals (p = 0.01), positive blood culture (p = 0.04), negative history of crystalline arthropathy (p = 0.08), and multi-joint involvement (p = 0.05) were identified as predictors of septic wrist with a combined sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 86.2%, and area under the curve 0.93. CONCLUSIONS: Current diagnostic criteria for septic wrist have low specificity. Negative history of crystalline arthropathy, multi-joint involvement, absence of synovial crystals, and positive blood culture are helpful indicators for predicting septic wrist in patients presenting with a painful, erythematous, and swollen wrist.

Orthotopic forelimb transplantation in a Yucatan minipig model: Anatomic and in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Above elbow transplants represent 19% of the upper extremity transplants. Previous large-animal models have been too distal or heterotopic, did not use immunosuppression and had short survival. We hypothesize that an orthotopic forelimb transplant model, under standard immunosuppression, is feasible and can be used to address questions on peri-transplant ischemia reperfusion injury, and post-transplantation vascular, immunologic, infectious, and functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four forelimbs were used for anatomical studies. Four mock transplants were performed to establish technique/level of muscle/tendon repairs. Four donor and four recipient female Yucatan minipigs were utilized for in-vivo transplants (endpoint 90-days). Forelimbs were amputated at the midarm and preserved through ex vivo normothermic perfusion (EVNP) utilizing an RBC-based perfusate. Hourly perfusate fluid-dynamics, gases, electrolytes were recorded. Contractility during EVNLP was graded hourly using the Medical Research Council scale. EVNP termination criteria included systolic arterial pressure ≥115 mmHg, compartment pressure ≥30 mmHg (at EVNP endpoint), oxygen saturation reduction of 20%, and weight change ≥2%. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography was performed after revascularization. Limb rejection was evaluated clinically (rash, edema, temperature), and histologically (BANFF classification) collecting per cause and protocol biopsies (POD 1, 7, 30, 60 and endpoint). Systemic infections were assessed by blood culture and tissue histology. CT scan was used to confirm bone bridging at endpoint. RESULTS: Animals 2, 4 reached endpoint with grade 0-I rejection. Limbs 1, 3 presented grade III rejection on days 6, 61. CsA troughs averaged 461 ± 189 ng/mL. EVNLP averaged 4.3 ± 0.52 h. Perfusate lactate, PO2 , and pH were 5.6 ± 0.9 mmol/L, 557 ± 72 mmHg and 7.5 ± 0.1, respectively. Muscle contractions were 4 [1] during EVNLP. Transplants 2, 3, 4 showed bone bridging on CT. CONCLUSION: We present preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of an orthotopic, mid-humeral forelimb allotransplantation model under standard immunosuppression regimen. Further research should validate the immunological, infectious, and functional outcomes of this model.

Systematic review of pathologic markers in skin ischemia with and without reperfusion injury in microsurgical reconstruction: Biomarker alterations precede histological structure changes.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury contribute to partial or complete flap necrosis. Traditionally, skin histology has been used to evaluate morphological and structural changes, however histology does not detect early changes. We hypothesize that morphological and structural skin changes in response to ischemia and IRI occur late, and modification of gene and protein expression are the earliest changes in ischemia and IRI. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting skin histology or gene/protein expression changes following ischemia with or without reperfusion injury published between 2002 and 2022 were included. The primary outcomes were descriptive and semi-quantitative histological structural changes, leukocyte infiltration, edema, vessel density; secondary outcomes were quantitative gene and protein expression intensity (PCR and western blot). Model type, experimental intervention, ischemia method and duration, reperfusion duration, biopsy location and time point were collected. RESULTS: One hundred and one articles were included. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) showed inflammatory infiltration in early responses (12-24 h), with structural modifications (3-14 days) and neovascularization (5-14 days) as delayed responses. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) identified angiogenesis (CD31, CD34), apoptosis (TUNEL, caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2), and protein localization (NF-κB). Gene (PCR) and protein expression (western blot) detected inflammation and apoptosis; endoplasmic reticulum stress/oxidative stress and hypoxia; and neovascularization. The most common markers were TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß (inflammation), caspase-3 (apoptosis), VEGF (neovascularization), and HIF-1α (hypoxia). CONCLUSION: There is no consensus or standard for reporting skin injury during ischemia and IRI. H&E histology is most frequently performed but is primarily descriptive and lacks sensitivity for early skin injury. Immunohistochemistry and gene/protein expression reveal immediate and quantitative cellular responses to skin ischemia and IRI. Future research is needed towards a universally-accepted skin injury scoring system.

Outcomes of Calvarial and Soft-Tissue Reconstruction with Latissimus Dorsi-Rib Osteomyocutaneous Free Flap.

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi-rib osteomyocutaneous free flap (LDRF) has been used for autologous reconstruction of large composite calvarial and scalp defects. In this study, the authors aim to present clinical and patient-reported outcomes after LDRF reconstruction. METHODS: An anatomical study was conducted to evaluate the distribution of the connecting perforators between the thoracodorsal and intercostal systems. An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of 10 patients who underwent LDRF with one or two ribs for treatment of cranial defects was conducted. Patient-reported outcomes regarding quality of life, neurologic status, and functional status were evaluated using validated surveys. One-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were used for anatomical outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared using paired t tests. RESULTS: The tenth rib (4.65 ± 2.01) followed by the ninth rib (3.7 ± 1.63) had the highest number of perforators. A combination of the ninth and eleventh ribs exhibited maximal perforator number and pedicle length. All patients had stable LDRF reconstructions. Eight patients completed both preoperative and postoperative questionnaires; Median clinical follow-up was 48 months (range, 34 to 70 months). Scores trended toward improvement but did not reach statistical significance on the Karnofsky Performance Scale ( P = 0.22), the Functional Independence Measure (Motor, P = 0.52; Cognitive, P = 0.55), or the Headache Disability Index ( P = 0.38). The minimum clinically important difference was surpassed, demonstrating improvement of function for 71% of patients on the Barthel Index and 63% on the Selective Functional Movement Assessment test. CONCLUSION: The LDRF can improve cognitive and physical functional status in complex patients with prior failed reconstructions for composite scalp and skull defects. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Tissue adjuncts in primary cleft palate reconstruction: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Tissue adjunct is non-palatal tissue used to manage tension at the defect site by providing additional coverage. This review aimed to compare outcomes of various adjuncts employed in primary palatoplasty. METHODS: A literature search was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library with keywords cleft palate, palatoplasty, surgical flaps, and allografts. Data extracted included demographics, cleft severity, primary/adjunctive techniques, outcomes, and follow-up periods. Logistic regression analyses and chi-squared tests were performed to investigate associations among variables. RESULTS: A total of 1332 patients (aged 3 months-5 years) with follow-up of 1 month to 21 years were included. Cleft severity included submucous cleft (1.7%), Veau I/II (33.3%), Veau III (46.3%), and Veau IV (15.1%). Most reported techniques were Furlow (52%) and intravelar veloplasty (14.3%) for soft palate, Bardach (27.2%), and V-Y Pushback (11.1%) for hard palate. Buccal myomucosal flap (BMMF) was performed in 45.4% of cases, followed by buccal fat pad flap/graft (BFP) in 40.8% and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in 14%. Severe clefts (Veau III/IV) were repaired more frequently with BMMF compared with ADM (p = 0.003) and BFP (p = 0.01). Oronasal fistula occurred in 3.1% of patients, and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in 4%, both associated with Veau IV (fistula: p = 0.002, VPI: p = 0.0002). No significant differences were found in fistula (p = 0.79) or VPI (p = 0.14) rates between adjuncts. In severe clefts (Veau III/IV), ADM was associated with fistula formation (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuncts in primary palatoplasty may mitigate unfavorable outcomes associated with severe clefts. BMMF is superior, given its inherent tissue properties, whereas BFP is effective in reducing fistula formation.

Efficacy of virtual plastic surgery encounters in establishment of care and surgical conversion.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of virtual visits in converting new patients into established patients undergoing surgical treatment has not been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient retention and surgical conversion rate after an initial virtual plastic surgery consultation. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective review of all new plastic surgery patients seen between May and August 2020 at a single institution was conducted. The initial encounter type, chief complaint, demographics, treatment recommendation, insurance approval rate, number and modality of pre- and postoperative visits, time to procedure, follow up, and complications were recorded. Patient retention and surgery conversion rate were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: In total, the records of 1889 new patients were reviewed (1635 in-person, 254 virtual). Virtual patients were younger (44.5 ±â€¯19.0 versus 49.5 ±â€¯20.7 years, p < 0.001), and nearly half resided greater than 50 miles away (42% versus 16%, p < 0.001). Virtual patients more frequently presented for cosmetic surgery (14% versus 7%, p < 0.001), lymphedema (15% versus 3%, p < 0.001), and gender dysphoria (11% versus 2%, p < 0.001). In-person patients presented more often for trauma (18% versus 5%, p < 0.001), elective hand complaints (16% versus 3%, p < 0.001), and breast reconstruction (9% versus 4%, p < 0.01). There were no differences in patient retention (p = 0.45) and procedure conversion rate (p = 0.21) between the groups. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine provides an opportunity to increase the practice catchment area and is as effective as in-person first encounters for establishing care and transition to surgery.

Prognosis-Guided Reconstruction of Scalp and Skull Defects in Neurosurgical Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to formulate reconstructive recommendations for neurosurgical patients presenting with scalp and/or skull defects based on outcomes in a large series of patients. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent scalp and/or calvarial reconstruction was conducted. Complications were divided into minor and major; early, intermediate, and late. Univariate logistic regression models were conducted to identify independent predictors of complications. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare survival time. Kaplan-Meier curves were developed to compare exposure of titanium and bone cranioplasties. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-one patients who underwent 418 procedures were included (median 1 [1-3] surgeries per patient). Average age was 55 ± 15 years; 53% of patients were male. Median follow-up was 25.5 months [13.9-55.6 months], and 57 patients (33%) were deceased. Complications occurred following 48% of procedures; most common were titanium hardware exposure (36%), nonhealing wounds (23%), and infection (9%). Titanium cranioplasties became exposed 0.47 months [0.3-4.0 months] postoperatively. Frontal defect location was an independent predictor of major complications (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.39; P = 0.026). Mortality rate for malignant intracranial neoplasms was 68.4% (median survival, 4.3 months), 39.1% for malignancies of both scalp and skull (7.0 months), 37.5% for scalp cancers (16.0 months), and 16.7% for meningiomas (28.2 months). CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgical patients requiring scalp and/or skull reconstruction are a complex population undergoing multiple procedures with high complication rates. Given high exposure rate of titanium hardware shortly after reconstruction, titanium cranioplasty is recommended for patients with a prognosis less than 2 to 8 months.

Comparing the educational quality of free flap technique videos on public and paid platforms.

BACKGROUND: Surgical videos are reshaping the landscape for surgical education. As this form of education has rapidly grown and become a valuable resource for experienced surgeons, residents, and students, there is great variability in the presentation of what is offered. This study aimed to assess and compare the educational quality of free flap instructional videos on public and paid platforms. METHODS: Free flap videos from public (YouTube) and paid (American Society of Plastic Surgeons Education Network and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal) sources were screened independently by three reviewers. Sample size was calculated to reach 80% power. The educational quality of the videos was determined using a modified version of Laparoscopic Surgery Video Educational Guidelines (0-6 low, 7-12 medium, 13-18 high). Professionally-made videos were identified per lighting, positioning, and video/imaging quality. Interrater reliability between the three reviewers was calculated. The educational quality of the videos was compared between public and paid sources using Mood's median test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was utilized to assess the correlation between video length and educational quality. RESULTS: Seventy-six videos were included (40 public, 36 paid). The median video lengths for public and paid platforms were 9.43(IQR = 12.33) and 5.07(IQR = 6.4) min, respectively. There were 18 high, 16 medium, and 6 low-quality public videos, versus 13 high, 21 medium, and 2 low-quality paid videos. Four public and seven paid videos were identified as professionally made. Interrater reliability was high (α = .9). No differences in educational quality were identified between public and paid platforms. Video length was not correlated with quality (p = .15). A video library compiling public high-quality videos was created (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-d5BBgQF75VWSkbvEq6mfYI--9579oPK). CONCLUSIONS: Public and paid platforms may provide similar surgical education on free tissue transfer. Therefore, whether to subscribe to a paid video platform for supplemental free flap education should be determined on an individual basis.

Temporalis Myofascial Flap and Conchal Bowl Cartilage Grafting for Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis arises from a multitude of etiologies; however, there is no consensus definitive treatment. The complication profile of artificial TMJs is well known, and outcomes are variable and are reserved for salvage attempts. This case details a patient with persistent traumatic TMJ pain, arthritis, and single-photon emission computed tomography scan of potential nonunion. The present study reports on the first novel use of an alternative composite myofascial flap to help arthritic TMJ pain. This study details the successful use of a temporalis myofascial flap and conchal bowl autologous cartilage graft in posttraumatic TMJ degeneration.

Preinjury Social Determinants of Health Disparities Predict Postinjury Psychosocial Conditions in Adult Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBPIs) are life-altering events that can have detrimental effects on a patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To examine how social determinants of health (SDOH) disparities influence the risk of developing new psychosocial conditions after TBPIs in previously psychiatric-naïve patients. METHODS: Between January 2010 and June 2019, a retrospective analysis was performed using PearlDiver's Mariner, an all-payer claims database, to create 3 cohorts: TBPI disparity cohort: patients with TBPI and presence of at least 1 SDOH disparity before injury, TBPI without disparity cohort: patients with TBPI and the absence of any SDOH disparity, and control cohort: patients without TBPIs. RESULTS: The matched population analyzed in this study consisted of 1176 patients who were equally represented in the TBPI disparity cohort (n = 392, 33.33%), TBPI without disparity cohort (n = 392, 33.33%), and control cohort (n = 392, 33.33%). A total of 301 patients developed any psychosocial condition with 4 years of their injury. Patients in the TBPI disparity cohort had significantly higher rates of developing any psychosocial condition (31.12%, P < .0005), depression (22.70%, P = .0032), anxiety (18.62%, P = .0203), drug abuse (7.91%, P = .0060), and alcohol abuse (4.85%, P = .03499) when compared with the other cohorts. Furthermore, the disparity cohort carried a significantly increased risk of developing any psychosocial condition (hazard ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.09-1.86). The rates of suicide attempt, post-traumatic stress disorder, and divorce did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSION: TBPI patients with SDOH disparities are at increased risk of developing new-onset psychosocial conditions, such as depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III.

Natural History of Metacarpal Subsidence following Trapeziectomy and Its Relationship to Clinical Outcomes.

METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) was conducted. Patient demographics, visual analogue scale pain scores, grip strength, pinch strengths, and radial and palmar abduction were collected. The trapezial space ratio (TSR) was measured by the scaphometacarpal distance divided by the length of the capitate. Subsidence [(postoperative TSR - preoperative TSR)/preoperative TSR] was measured and classified as severe (≥70%) or mild to moderate (<70%). Median rate of subsidence increase was calculated. Conolly-Rath scores were used to evaluate the proportion of good outcomes in each group. RESULTS: A total of 141 trapeziectomies with LRTI were included. Subsidence increased 6.7% (5.4% to 23.0%) per week before 16 weeks and 0.3% (0.1% to 0.8%) per week thereafter. Visual analogue scale pain scores were not significantly different between patients with severe or mild to moderate subsidence ( P = 0.25) 16 weeks after thumb mobilization. The proportion of good outcomes was comparable between the two groups ( P = 0.12). There was no correlation between subsidence and pain (ρ = -0.20; P = 0.24), grip (ρ = -0.02; P = 0.93), key (ρ = -0.13; P = 0.62), tripod (ρ = 0.16; P = 0.71), or index tip pinch strengths (ρ = -0.28; P = 0.43) or radial (ρ = -0.03; P = 0.92) or palmar (ρ = -0.15; P = 0.61) abduction. CONCLUSIONS: Subsidence occurs in all patients after trapeziectomy and LRTI, stabilizing 16 weeks after mobilization. Degree of subsidence does not correlate with postoperative outcomes. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

A Systematic Review of Vascularized and Nonvascularized Toe Transfer for Reconstruction of Congenital Hand Differences.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the indications, techniques, and outcomes of vascularized and nonvascularized toe-to-hand transfer surgery in patients with congenital hand differences. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies containing data on indications, surgical technique, and outcomes for patients with congenital absence or deficiency of digits or thumb treated with toe-to-hand transfer were included. Failure was defined as resorption of the transfer or necrosis necessitating removal. RESULTS: Forty studies published between 1978 and 2020 were included. A total of 319 patients (59.7%) had vascularized transfers, 214 (40.1%) had nonvascularized transfers, and one had both (0.2%). Symbrachydactyly was the most common indication in both groups (46.3% vascularized and 45.3% nonvascularized). The most commonly transplanted toe was the second toe in the vascularized group (72.6 %) and fourth toe in the nonvascularized group (32.2%). Vascularized toe transfers were most commonly used to reconstruct the thumb (53.3%), as were nonvascularized transfers (30%). Vascular complications occurred after 6.8% of vascularized transfers, although 94.7% were ultimately successful after reoperation. Resorption accounted for most complications after nonvascularized transfers. More secondary procedures were required after nonvascularized transfers. In the vascularized group, there was a higher success rate of 98.6% (95% CI, 97.4% to 99.7%), compared with 86.8% (95% CI, 83.6% to 90%) in the nonvascularized group ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS THE AUTHORS: study found a higher success rate in vascularized transfers. The ideal technique must be assessed on an individual patient basis, accounting for baseline hand structure, in addition to the ultimate aesthetic and functional goals.

Orthognathic Surgery in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Review of the Literature and Case Report.

EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) is a heterogenous group of inheritable connective tissue disorders that commonly precludes patients from being elective surgical candidates. Patients with EDS are at a higher risk of increased bleeding, delayed wound healing, and temporomandibular joint pain refractory to treatment. Historically, patients with EDS and TMJ disorders are considered inappropriate surgical candidates due to a higher risk of delayed wound healing, increased risk for uncontrolled post-surgical bleeding, and unsubstantiated outcomes in regards to elective orthognathic surgery. A review of the literature demonstrates a paucity of data accounting the use of orthognathic surgery and maxillary-mandibular advancement in patients with EDS. The present study reports on the use of orthognathic double jaw surgery in a patient with a known diagnosis of hypermobile EDS, history of TMJ subluxation and pain. This case describes a 47-year-old woman with a history of hypermobile EDS who presented with Angle Class II malocclusion, Class II skeletal pattern, and clockwise rotation of the occlusal plane associated with pain at the bilateral TMJs. She underwent maxillary-mandibular advancement with counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane and genioplasty. The surgery was without complications, and at 22 months follow up, the patient healed uneventfully with improvement of pain and range of motion. This case report demonstrates that with diligent patient selection, orthognathic surgery in patients with EDS can be safe and effective and should not be an absolute contraindication.

A Systematic Review of the Outcomes of Carpal Ligament Release in Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Indications for surgical treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are controversial. The aim of this study was to review the outcomes reported in the literature of carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS. METHODS: A systematic review of the outcomes of carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome measures included change in symptoms, sensation (2-point discrimination, light touch), thenar atrophy, strength (power and pinch grip), electrophysiology, median nerve morphology, and patient-reported outcome measures. Outcomes are reported by ranges of the percentage of patients/hands improved in the included studies. RESULTS: Thirty-eight papers were selected, representing 2,531 patients and 2,712 hands. Demographic information on age and sex were available for a total of 1,542 patients. Mean age ranged from 49.8 to 83 years and 72% were female. All studies that assessed patient-reported outcome measures before and after surgery reported significant improvements. Complete resolution of paresthesia occurred in 55%-98% of hands across different studies. Resolution of numbness occurred in between 39% and 94% of hands. Pain completely resolved in 64%-100% and weakness in 60%-75% of hands. Two-point discrimination and light touch improved postoperatively. Power grip, key, tripod, index-thumb pulp pinch, and thumb opposition increased. Motor and sensory amplitudes, distal motor latencies, and sensory conduction velocities improved. Patient-reported outcomes indicated symptomatic improvement and reduced disability. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic improvement following carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS can occur. Patients should be counseled about the unpredictability of the outcomes and factors that might affect outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.