Entrapment neuropathy of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve by the fascia of flexor digitorum superficialis

A case of thenar numbness, with concomitant carpal tunnel syndrome is presented. Physical findings and the result of injection of a local anesthetic into two different sites of tenderness suggested coexistence of entrapment and/or compression of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve and the main trunk of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. At operation, constriction of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve by the fascia of seemingly normal flexor digitorum superficialis was observed beneath the site of maximum tenderness. After decompression of this nerve, combined with carpal tunnel release, the patient lost all pain and numbness; there was no recurrence at 5 months follow-up.     

Basal joint arthroplasty decreases carpal tunnel pressure

Background

There is a well-documented association between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, and these conditions commonly coexist. We have observed that patients who have previously undergone thumb basal joint arthroplasty (BJA) seem rarely to present subsequently with CTS. Our hypothesis is that BJA decreases the pressure within the carpal tunnel.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients (6 with coexistent CTS) undergoing BJA were enrolled in the study. The pressure within the carpal tunnel immediately before and after BJA was measured using a commercially available pressure monitor device (Stryker STIC; Kalamazoo, MI). In patients with concomitant CTS undergoing both BJA and carpal tunnel release (CTR), the pressure was measured after BJA but prior to release of the transverse carpal ligament.

Results

The pressure within the carpal tunnel decreased after BJA in all patients. There were 3 patients with stage II arthritis, 15 patients with stage III arthritis, and 10 patients with stage IV arthritis. The mean pressure prior to BJA among all patients was 23.9 mmHg and decreased to 11.0 mmHg after BJA. Patients with concomitant CTS had a mean pre-BJA pressure of 26.5 mmHg, which decreased to 7.3 mmHg after BJA.

Conclusions

BJA decompresses the carpal tunnel and decreases the pressure within. In patients with concomitant CTS, the BJA alone (without additional release of the transverse carpal ligament) decreases the carpal tunnel pressure. Further study is warranted to determine the need for discrete release of the transverse carpal ligament in patients with CTS who are undergoing BJA.

Level of Evidence

Level II, diagnostic.     

小切口治疗腕管综合征14例报告

Objective　To introduce the technique of carpal tunnel release by small incision,and evaluate its outcome in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.Methods　This method was applied in the operations of 14 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.An incision 1.5 cm in length was made at the level of the proximal transverse wrist crease ulnar to the palmaris longus tendon.The proximal margin of the transverse carpal ligament was visualized and the ligament was cut subcutaneously under direct vision.The flexor digitorum tendons were retracted and the edematous synovium excised.Results　Follow - up of the patients 2 weeks postoperatively showed that the symptoms of numbess and pain disappeared in all 14 cases.Normal 2 - PD in the pulp of the thumb,index finger and long finger was ＜ 4 mm.One year after the operation,muscle atrophy in 5 patients who sustained preoperative thenar muscle atrophy was greatly improved with recovery of normal opponens function of the thumb.No pillar pain and injury of the ulnar nerve and superficial palmar arch was found.Conclusion　Carpal tunnel release under direct vision through a small incision is a new and effective surgical procedure.     

腕管综合征术后柱状痛的临床研究

目的 探讨腕管综合征常规手术后柱状痛的原因.方法 2006年12月至2008年10月,对27例(30侧)腕管综合征的患者,采用常规腕管切开正中神经松解术进行治疗,术后随访测量柱状痛的面积及发生柱状痛患腕的功能.结果 术后随访10～30个月,11侧出现手术切口周围柱状感觉麻木区,8侧出现切口周围单侧或双侧柱状痛.结论 在出现柱状痛或柱状感觉麻木的患者中,柱状痛的面积和切口长度呈正相关;有无柱状痛不是评价腕管切开减压术(OCTR)疗效的标准;切口的类型与柱状痛的发生无相关.     

掌部小切口减压治疗腕管综合征

目的:介绍掌部小切口横断腕横韧带治疗腕管综合征的方法,并评价其疗效及安全性。方法:自2006年1月至2007年9月,采用掌部纵形小切口,切断腕横韧带治疗腕管综合征15例(18侧),男2例,女13例;年龄34～69岁,平均48岁;单侧12例,双侧3例;病程8～26个月,平均18个月。主要临床表现为:桡侧3个半指麻木或疼痛,腕部疼痛,并向前臂放射,夜间麻醒史,大鱼际肌肉萎缩,Tinel征阳性,Phalen征阳性。电生理检查均有正中神经感觉神经传导速度(SCV)减慢、感觉神经动作电位(SNAP)波幅下降或缺失,严重者拇短展肌可有自发电位。术后随访时采用GSS评分(Global symptom score),分别从疼痛、麻木感、感觉异常、肌力减退和夜醒等5个方面进行评价。结果:术后所有患者伤口均甲级愈合,无并发症发生。15例患者均获随访,时间20～28个月,平均24个月。除1例患者未完全缓解外,其余患者症状消失,拇短展肌肌力增强,GSS评分较术前有明显改善(P<0.05)。结论:小切口减压治疗腕管综合征具有安全性高、手术时间短、创伤小、瘢痕小等优点,直视下切断腕横韧带,可彻底松解正中神经,是安全、有效的手术入路。     

One portal simultaneous bilateral endoscopic carpal tunnel release under local anaesthesia. Do the results justify the effort?

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether simultaneous bilateral endoscopic carpal tunnel release could be effectively and safely performed under local anaesthesia.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 85 consecutive patients (62 females) who underwent simultaneous one portal endoscopic bilateral carpal tunnel release with subcutaneous injection of 2 mL 2 % lidocaine. In case of pain after discharge, all patients were advised to take paracetamol (i.e., acetaminophen) and to record the dose of drug taken. Patients were reviewed at regular intervals until one year postoperatively.

Results

The mean operative time was 31.2 min. Postoperatively, only nine patients (10.6 %) received on average 611 mg of paracetamol. Significant improvement was noticed in the parameters of numbness, pain, positive Phalen and Tinel tests, pinch strength, grip strength, tip pinch strength and Quick DASH Score. Patients returned fully to work after surgery in average 2.2 weeks. Conversion to open release took place in four wrists (2.4 %). Discomfort and pain from tourniquet pressure was reported from two patients (2.4 %). Two wrists (1.2 %) required revision surgery. One patient (1.2 %) reported temporary thenar numbness and another (1.2 %) had slight scar hypersensitivity.

Conclusions

Simultaneous bilateral endoscopic carpal tunnel release under local anaesthesia is well tolerated by patients. The technique may be of benefit in young, active, high-demand patients who require fast recovery, early return to work and less disability time.     

Concomitant endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel release: safety and efficacy

Background

When performed alone, endoscopic carpal tunnel release and endoscopic cubital tunnel release are safe and effective surgical options for the treatment of carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes, respectively. However, there is currently no literature that describes the performance of both procedures concomitantly. We describe the results of 17 cases in which dual endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel releases were performed for the treatment of concurrent carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients in a single surgeon practice that presented with concomitant ipsilateral carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes was performed. Within an 8-month period, 17 patients had undergone 19 concomitant ipsilateral endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel releases after failing conservative treatment. Pre- and postoperative measurements included subjective numbness/tingling; subjective pain; manual muscle testing of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), intrinsics, and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP); static two-point discrimination; quick-DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scores; grip strength; chuck pinch strength; and key pinch strength. Complete data are available for 15 patients and 17 total procedures.

Results

Thirteen male and four female patients (average age of 50.5) underwent dual endoscopic cubital and carpal tunnel release. Two patients were lost to follow-up and eliminated from data analysis. Pre- and postoperative comparisons were completed for median DASH scores, grip strength, chuck pinch strength, and key pinch strength at their preoperative visit and at 12 weeks. DASH scores improved significantly from a median of 67.5 to 16 (p?=?0.002), grip strengths improved from 42 to 55.0 lbs (p?=?0.30), chuck pinch strengths improved significantly from 11 to 15.5 lbs (p?=?0.02), and key pinch strengths increased significantly from 13 to 18 lbs (p?=?0.003). Average static two-point discrimination decreased from 5.9 to 4.8 mm. In terms of pain, 82 % of patients had complete resolution of pain, and the remaining 18 % experienced pain only with strenuous activity. In terms of numbness/tingling, 100 % of patients had complete resolution of median nerve symptoms; 88 % of patients had substantial improvement of numbness and tingling symptoms, and 12 % had residual ulnar nerve symptoms. In terms of muscle strength, 92 % of patients had improvement to 5/5 APB strength, while 100 % of patients had improvement to 5/5 intrinsic and FDP strengths. Two minor complications occurred, including one superficial hematoma and one superficial cellulitis.

Conclusions

Preliminary data demonstrate that dual endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel release is a safe and effective treatment option for patients who present with concurrent cubital and carpal tunnel syndromes recalcitrant to non-surgical management. Postoperative results and complications are comparable to endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel releases performed alone.     

Trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis after proximal row carpectomy: treatment with a total joint arthroplasty

The authors report a case of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in a 58-year-old woman with low functional demand. The patient had a proximal row carpectomy for posttraumatic radiocarpal arthritis. The authors decided to perform arthroplasty using a total GUEPAR trapeziometacarpal prosthesis to conserve carpal stability of the first column. Eight years after the surgery, the patient is free of pain and her thumb movement is similar to the opposite thumb. No radiographic changes were observed. No similar cases have been reported in the literature. Prosthesis insertion could be a reasonable option for this indication to give long-term painless mobility and stability.     

Hand numbness and carpal tunnel syndrome after volar plating of distal radius fracture

We report the incidence of late onset post-operative carpal tunnel syndrome (late carpal tunnel syndrome) and late median nerve neuropathy after volar plating of distal radius fracture by conducting a retrospective study on volar plating for distal radius fracture performed during 2002 to 2006. Two hundred eighty-two volar plating were performed for acute distal radius fracture after exclusion. Post-operative hand numbness occurred in 24 patients of which nine had carpal tunnel syndrome. Thus, the incidence of late carpal tunnel syndrome was 3.2% (9/282). Of the eight (8/24, 33%) patients with post-operative hand numbness that failed to respond to conservative treatment, five had carpal tunnel release and three had neurolysis of median nerve at distal forearm. All had clinical improvement except in one patient. The incidence of late carpal tunnel syndrome after volar plating of distal radius in the present series is similar to the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in general population. The incidence is low compared with other series, regardless of treatment method (conservative treatment, volar or dorsal plating). The outcome of post-operative hand numbness is generally favourable.     

Basal joint arthroplasty and carpal tunnel release comparing a single versus double incision: a prospective randomized study

Purpose

Basal thumb joint osteoarthritis frequently coexists with carpal tunnel syndrome. The two conditions have traditionally been treated surgically through separate incisions. We sought to determine whether carpal tunnel release using a single incision during basal joint arthroplasty is as effective as a two-incision approach in patients with concomitant carpal tunnel syndrome and basal thumb joint osteoarthritis.

Methods

For this purpose, 40 patients were randomly allocated to either a single-incision or double-incision approach, all of whom completed the full follow-up period. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, QuickDASH, and a 10-point visual analog scale pain-severity rating were obtained from patients 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively.

Results

The two treatment groups experienced comparable, progressive improvement in all symptom-, function-, and pain-related outcomes, with mean surgery time significantly shorter with the single-incision approach, and four versus zero patients in the double-incision group developing pillar pain (p = 0.035).

Conclusions

Concomitant basal thumb joint osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome might be effectively performed through a single-incision approach, potentially avoiding any morbidity classically associated with a second incision.

Level of evidence

Level II/Therapeutic Study.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04391751, 04/29/2020, retrospectively registered.

     

Conservative treatment of CMC-1 osteoarthritis

Initially, osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb (CMC-1) should be conservatively treated. However, literature concerning this topic is absent. Therefore, 39 patients (71 hands) with conservatively treated osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb were reviewed. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year; the average follow-up period was 8.8 years. Thirty-two women had bilateral CMC-1 osteoarthritis; the remaining seven patients had unilateral CMC-1 osteoarthritis. Although suggested by others, long-term pain relief was not observed in this study. Moreover, patient satisfaction, thumb strength, and mobility were not influenced by the duration of the CMC-1 osteoarthritis. In conservatively treated patients, worse results are achieved than in operated patients, especially concerning their subjective experiences. The authors therefore advise surgery, especially in the case of pain which hampers the activities of daily life.     

Experience with Transtrapezium Approach for Transverse Carpal Ligament Release in Patients with Coexisted Trapeziometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

An experience with transtrapezium approach for carpal tunnel release is reported. This technique seems to be successful in cases when carpal tunnel syndrome and first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis coexist and surgical treatment is indicated for both conditions. The transtrapezium approach to carpal tunnel release allows for complete carpal tunnel release without increasing the risk of surgical complications. This study was performed at the Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State University of New York, University Hospital, Stony Brook, New York.     

Double incision open technique for carpal tunnel release: An alternative to endoscopic release

I prospectively evaluated the results of 30 consecutive patients with bilateral carpal tunnel release using two techniques. The first release was performed with a standard incision while the opposite hand underwent release by a double incision open technique. Postoperatively, subjective complaints of pain, grip strength, pinch strength, and pillar tenderness were evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 weeks. All patients expressed complete relief of preoperative numbness in both hands. The improvement in pinch and grip strength and lack of pillar tenderness in the hands that underwent the double incision open technique closely matched the reported results of endoscopic carpal tunnel release. There were no complications with either technique.     

Standard open decompression in carpal tunnel syndrome compared with a modified open technique preserving the superficial skin nerves: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE: A common surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is open carpal tunnel decompression. This involves skin incision followed by sharp dissection straight down through fat and palmar fascia to the transverse carpal ligament, which is then divided. The incidence of scar discomfort ranges from 19% to 61%, and its cause is not fully understood. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to investigate whether preservation of superficial nerve branches crossing the incision site reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative scar pain after open carpal tunnel release. METHODS: Forty-two patients with bilateral idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (84 hands) were included in the study. The patients were randomized to determine which hand was to have carpal tunnel decompression using a technique that would try to preserve the superficial nerve branches. The other hand had open carpal tunnel decompression without any attempt to preserve the superficial nerve branches. An assessment of each hand in each patient was performed immediately before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. This assessment was performed with a questionnaire based on the Patient Evaluation Measure. RESULTS: We found no evidence of a difference in scar pain between the 2 methods at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. There was a significant difference in the length of surgery between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Scar pain scores in this series of open carpal tunnel decompressions were similar, whether or not an attempt was made to identify and preserve superficial nerve branches crossing the wound.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome with severe sensory deficit: endoscopic release in 18 cases

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with severe sensory deficit was treated with endoscopic carpal tunnel release in 18 hands of 16 consecutive patients (median age 72 (28-92) years). In all hands, preoperative 2-point discrimination (2-PD) exceeded 15 mm in the radial and ulnar sides of the pulps of at least 2 of the 3 radial digits. All patients underwent an independent evaluation and answered a questionnaire concerning 11 activities of daily living (ADL) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Complete resolution or improvement in daytime numbness and tingling was reported in 12 of 17 hands, of night symptoms in 12 of 16 hands, and of pain in 10 of 11 hands. The median ADL score improved from 3.1 to 1.4 (on a 1- to 5-point scale). 13 of the 16 patients were satisfied with the outcome. Two-PD had normalized in 14 hands and improved in 2. The results indicate that endoscopic carpal tunnel release is effective in improving symptoms and function in patients with CTS and severe sensory deficit, and that the prognosis for sensory recovery is good.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome with severe sensory deficit: Endoscopic release in 18 cases

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with severe sensory deficit was treated with endoscopic carpal tunnel release in 18 hands of 16 consecutive patients (median age 72 (28-92) years). In all hands, preoperative 2-point discrimination (2-PD) exceeded 15 mm in the radial and ulnar sides of the pulps of at least 2 of the 3 radial digits. All patients underwent an independent evaluation and answered a questionnaire concerning 11 activities of daily living (ADL) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Complete resolution or improvement in daytime numbness and tingling was reported in 12 of 17 hands, of night symptoms in 12 of 16 hands, and of pain in 10 of 11 hands. The median ADL score improved from 3.1 to 1.4 (on a 1- to 5-point scale). 13 of the 16 patients were satisfied with the outcome. Two-PD had normalized in 14 hands and improved in 2. The results indicate that endoscopic carpal tunnel release is effective in improving symptoms and function in patients with CTS and severe sensory deficit, and that the prognosis for sensory recovery is good.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome with severe sensory deficit: Endoscopic release in 18 cases

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with severe sensory deficit was treated with endoscopic carpal tunnel release in 18 hands of 16 consecutive patients (median age 72 (28-92) years). In all hands, preoperative 2-point discrimination (2-PD) exceeded 15 mm in the radial and ulnar sides of the pulps of at least 2 of the 3 radial digits. All patients underwent an independent evaluation and answered a questionnaire concerning 11 activities of daily living (ADL) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Complete resolution or improvement in daytime numbness and tingling was reported in 12 of 17 hands, of night symptoms in 12 of 16 hands, and of pain in 10 of 11 hands. The median ADL score improved from 3.1 to 1.4 (on a 1- to 5-point scale). 13 of the 16 patients were satisfied with the outcome. Two-PD had normalized in 14 hands and improved in 2. The results indicate that endoscopic carpal tunnel release is effective in improving symptoms and function in patients with CTS and severe sensory deficit, and that the prognosis for sensory recovery is good.     

经手掌近侧小切口的腕管切开松解减压术

目的 报告使用手掌近侧小切口的腕管切开松解减压术的疗效。方法 自大、小鱼际纹交界处向远侧腕横纹做纵行切口，长2～2．5cm，直视下切开屈肌支持带，解除正中神经卡压。术后随访并与同期采用传统长切口的病例比较，观察小切口的疗效。结果 随访病例19例30腕，其中小切口6例11腕，长切口13例19腕，它们在手指麻木、腕痛、握力及两点辨别觉改善等方面无明显差异，在切口长度、手术时间、恢复正常生活与工作时间以及术后瘢痕触痛、墩柱部疼痛等方面，前者优于后者。结论 经手掌近侧小切口实施腕管切开松解减压术，较传统方法有更多优点，是一种安全、有效的治疗方法。     

Single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release compared with open release : a prospective,randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition causing hand pain and numbness. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has been demonstrated to reduce recovery time, although previous studies have raised concerns about an increased rate of complications. The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to compare open carpal tunnel release with single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, multicenter center study was performed on 192 hands in 147 patients. The open method was performed in ninety-five hands in seventy-two patients, and the endoscopic method was performed in ninety-seven hands in seventy-five patients. All of the patients had clinical signs or symptoms and electrodiagnostic findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome and had not responded to, or had refused, nonoperative management. Follow-up evaluations with use of validated outcome instruments and quantitative measurements of grip strength, pinch strength, and hand dexterity were performed at two, four, eight, twelve, twenty-six, and fifty-two weeks after the surgery. Complications were identified. The cost of the procedures and the time until return to work were recorded and compared between the groups. RESULTS: During the first three months after surgery, the patients treated with the endoscopic method had better Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scores, better Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Functional Status Scores, and better subjective satisfaction scores. During the first three months after surgery, they also had significantly (p < 0.05) greater grip strength, pinch strength, and hand dexterity. The open technique resulted in greater scar tenderness during the first three months after surgery as well as a longer time until the patients could return to work (median, thirty-eight days compared with eighteen days after the endoscopic release). No technical problems with respect to nerve, tendon, or artery injuries were noted in either group. There was no significant difference in the rate of complications or the cost of surgery between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Good clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction are achieved more quickly when the endoscopic method of carpal tunnel release is used. Single-portal endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective method of treating carpal tunnel syndrome.     

Bifid median nerve as a determinant of carpal tunnel syndrome recurrence after endoscopic procedures. A case report

A number of complications have been associated with endoscopic technique in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We observed a female patient who had previously undergone endoscopic surgery for CTS. Shortly after surgery, this patient complained of pain, numbness and strength deficiency, as severe as it was before the operation. A new, open, surgical procedure was performed. During this second-look surgery, we found a bifid median nerve, which divided into two branches at the second third of the forearm, proximal to the flexor retinaculum. We strongly suggest a careful exploration of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Moreover, we believe that an extensive preoperative assessment of median nerve morphology and function is mandatory prior to endoscopic approach in treating CTS.