1. Derebery, V.J. and Tullis, W.H. “Delayed recovery in the patient with a work compensable injury.” JOM, 1983; 25:11: 829-835.
A “must read” classic on the psychology of treating injured workers in particular. It explains the term “compensation neurosis” which the majority of work comp patients experience if not aggressively treated.
2. Goodman, R.C. “An aggressive return-to-work program in surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A comparison of costs.” Plastic and Recon Surg, 1992; 89:115-117.
Return to modified duty after open CTR promptly did not result in untoward effects and cut disability costs.
3. Higgs, P.E., Edwards, D., Martin, D.S., and Weeks, P.M. “Continued employment after carpal tunnel decompression.” Presented at ASSH meeting Cincinnati, Ohio, 1994.
High percentage of work comp CTR patients never returned to their employer or changed jobs soon after return to work.
4. Nathan, P.A., Meadows, K.D., and Keniston, R.C. "Rehabilitation of carpal tunnel surgery patients using a short surgical incision and an early program of physical therapy.” JHS, 1993; 18A: 1044-1050.
Without a control group to prove otherwise, the patient undergoing OCTR all visited the clinic OT several times a week for ~2-3 weeks after which they returned to work. The results don’t compare to NSHI, PC (immediate return to work and no OT/PT times 12 years).
5. Tate, D. J. “Workers’ disability and return to work.” Am J Phys Med Rehab, 1992; 71:92-96.
6. Tortosa, D.S. “Outcome study of employed patients treated with carpal tunnel surgery.” Presented at ASSH meeting Oct. 1994.