Table 1 Carpal tunnel syndrome knowledge questionnaire (translated from Korean to English)

1. What is the symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome?

1) tingling sensation 2) loss of sensation 3) muscle weakness 4) all

4

2. What is the main structure that is compressed at the carpal tunnel?

1) artery 2) nerve 3) ligament 4) all

2

3. What is the purpose of surgery?

1) to improve circulation 2) to relieve a nerve 3) to repair a ligament 4) all

2

4. What is the usual method of anesthesia for the surgery?

1) no anesthesia 2) local anesthesia 3) general anesthesia

2

5. What is cut during the surgery?

1) artery 2) nerve 3) ligament 4) all

3

6. When do I have the sutures removed?

1) 5 days 2) 2 weeks 3) 1 month

2

7. When do I usually regain the grip strength?

1) 5 days 2) 2 weeks 3) 1 month 4) 3–6 months

4

8. How long can I have pain around the scar?

1) 5 days 2) 2 weeks 3) 1 month 4) 3–6 months

4

9. What is a common result of not treating carpal tunnel syndrome for long?

1) no circulation at finger tips 2) thumb muscle weakness 3) limitation of finger joint motion 4) all

2

10. What is an alternative, although not a definitive, treatment to surgery?

1) splinting 2) local anesthetics injection 3) shock wave therapy 4) electrical stimulation

1