Impact of cannabis use and tobacco smoking on outcomes of open carpal tunnel release surgery: a nationwide study in the United States - Report - MDSpire

Impact of cannabis use and tobacco smoking on outcomes of open carpal tunnel release surgery: a nationwide study in the United States

  • By

  • Amir Human Hoveidaei

  • Sina Esmaeili

  • Ruby Gilmor

  • Zhongming Chen

  • Janet D. Conway

  • John V. Ingari

  • June 23, 2026

  • 0 min

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Effects of Cannabis Consumption and Tobacco Use on Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Overview

This study evaluates the impact of cannabis and tobacco use on postoperative outcomes following open carpal tunnel release surgery, analyzing complications associated with these substances in a cohort of over one million patients.

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition that can significantly impair quality of life. Open carpal tunnel release (CTR) is a common surgical intervention, but complications can arise, particularly in patients with substance use histories.

Data Highlights

No numerical data was provided in the source material, but the study included 1,205,246 patients who underwent primary open CTR surgery.

Key Findings

  • Patients were classified into four groups based on substance use: tobacco only, cannabis only, both, or neither.
  • Postoperative complications were assessed at 6 weeks and 3 months post-surgery.
  • Complications of interest included surgical site infection (SSI), wound disruption, joint stiffness, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider the substance use history of patients undergoing open carpal tunnel release surgery, as it may influence postoperative outcomes. Further research is needed to clarify the specific risks associated with cannabis and tobacco use in this context.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of evaluating substance use in patients undergoing surgical procedures for carpal tunnel syndrome. Understanding these associations can aid in preoperative counseling and risk assessment.

Related Resources & Content

  1. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Surgical Decision Making Among Black Adults With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  2. conexiant, 2023 -- Comorbidities Worsen Carpal Tunnel Outcomes
  3. Hernia, 2024 -- Impact of Cannabis Use on Outcomes in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Propensity Score-Matched Study
  4. conexiant, 2023 -- Mini-Incision Carpal Tunnel Release Speeds Early Recovery vs Open Surgery
  5. AAOS, 2024 -- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: AAOS Updates Clinical Practice Guideline
  6. PubMed, 2026 -- Is Cannabis Dependence Associated with Postoperative Infections in Hand and Wrist Surgeries?
  7. Scientific Reports, 2026 -- Cannabis use increases surgical, medical, and psychosocial complications after lower extremity fracture fixation
  8. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: AAOS Updates Clinical Practice Guideline
  9. Is Cannabis Dependence Associated with Postoperative Infections in Hand and Wrist Surgeries? - PubMed
  10. Cannabis use increases surgical, medical, and psychosocial complications after lower extremity fracture fixation and shows compounded risk with concurrent nicotine use | Scientific Reports

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