Introduction:

carpal tunnel syndrome is of great impact in the workplace, due to its high prevalence, recently being recognized as an occupational disease. After the nerve release surgery, it is of interest to assess the parameters that affect going back to work.

Objectives:

to review the existing literature regarding the functional status of workers prior to undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, and their reinstatement, analyzing the factors with the greatest influence on it.

Material and methods:

systematic review of articles published between 2009-2019 in databases, choosing the articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria that includes factors with an impact on going back to work after a carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

Results:

13 observational studies were selected, excluding 1 meta-analysis, 9 systematic evaluations, 20 clinical trials and 1 expert opinion. To analyze to a greater extent factors such as the time of return, type of surgery used, economic compensation and symptomatology.

Conclusion:

there was limited evidence in the association between the factors analyzed and the delay in the return to professional activity. The evaluation after the type of surgery used shows the economic compensation as the parameter of greater predominance.