Comparison of Turkish and International Trends in Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the nationwide trends incarpal tunnel surgery by surgeons practicing in Turkey accordingto experience in years, training received (plastic surgery ororthopedics), and working location (Turkey or abroad) by slightlymodifying Munns’ survey.Materials and methods: A printed and online survey consistingof 11 questions was sent to Turkish and international surgeons. Thesurgeon’s province of practice, years in practice, type of educationreceived as a resident, preferred operation room, preferred surgicalapproach, type of anesthesia used, use of postoperative orthosisand therapy were assessed in the survey.Results: The survey was completed by 198 surgeons(a 25% response rate). The majority of surgeons practicing inTurkey (87%) and 67% of surgeons practicing abroad demandedelectromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. Sixtyone percent of respondents from Turkey and 76% of respondentspracticing abroad did not administer antibiotics preoperatively.While the most common anesthetic technique used by internationalsurgeons was subcutaneous local anesthesia (42%), Turkishsurgeons preferred wrist block (18%). Surgeons practicing inTurkey with fewer than five years of experience were more likely toadminister antibiotics preoperatively, use EMG/nerve conductionstudies, utilize a mini-open approach and apply an orthosispostoperatively (p