Hand (New York, N.Y.)
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Jul 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialDoes Societal Cost Information Affect Patient Decision-Making in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Background: Despite studies demonstrating the effects of out-of-pocket costs on decision-making, the effect of societal cost information on patient decision-making is unknown. Given the considerable societal impact of cost of care for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), providing societal cost data to patients with CTS could affect decision-making and provide a strategy for reducing national health care costs. Therefore, we assessed the following hypotheses: (1) there is no difference in treatment choice (surgery vs no surgery) in a hypothetical case of mild CTS between patients randomized to receive societal cost information compared with those who did not receive this information; (2) there are no factors (eg, sex, experience with a previous diagnosis of CTS, or receiving societal cost information) independently associated with the choice for surgery; and (3) there is no difference in attitudes toward health care costs between patients choosing surgery and those who did not. ⋯ Patients declining surgery felt more strongly that doctors should consider their out-of-pocket costs when making recommendations. Conclusions: Providing societal cost information does not seem to affect decision-making and may not reduce the overall health care costs. For patients with CTS, health policy could nudge toward better resource utilization and finding the best care pathways for nonoperative and invasive treatments.
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Jan 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialOpioid Versus Nonopioid Analgesia After Carpal Tunnel Release: A Randomized, Prospective Study.
Background: The purpose of this investigation was to compare pain control and patient satisfaction for conventional postoperative opioid analgesia and nonopioid multimodal analgesia after elective open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release (CTR). Methods: As part of a randomized, prospective study, patients undergoing primary, elective CTR were randomized to receive either postoperative opioids or nonopioid medications as part of a multimodal pain control strategy. Patients currently taking opioids were excluded. ⋯ Patient satisfaction with their pain control regimen and outcome was not significantly different between the 2 groups at any time point. Conclusions: Nonopioid medications as part of a perioperative pain control strategy demonstrate improved pain scores compared with opioid medications with similar patient satisfaction and functional outcomes. Considering the risks associated with the use of opioid analgesics, we recommend against prescribing opioids after CTR, particularly in patients not currently taking narcotic medications.
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Mar 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialNonsurgical Treatment of De Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Prospective Randomized Trial.
Background: De Quervain tenosynovitis is commonly seen in patients who perform repetitive wrist ulnar deviation with thumb abduction and extension. Previous studies comparing nonsurgical options have contributed to a lack of consensus about ideal management. This study's purpose was to analyze results in prospectively randomized patients treated with either corticosteroid injection (CSI) alone versus CSI with immobilization. ⋯ Between groups, outcomes were comparable except for resolution of radial-sided wrist pain, which was superior in patients with CSI alone (100% vs 64%). Conclusions: Immobilization following injection increases costs, may hinder activities of daily living, and did not contribute to improved patient outcomes in this study. Further prospective studies are warranted.