162 patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release were randomized to be splinted for two weeks postoperatively, or to receive no splinting. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there was a difference in outcome between the two practices. Outcome measures were Visual Analog Pain Scale, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, complication rate, and duration until return to work. The results indicated that there was no difference between the two groups in any of the outcomes of interest.