Aberrant radial artery seen in the carpal tunnel at carpal tunnel decompression: case report

We present a case in which the radial artery was found running within the carpal tunnel at the time of routine carpal tunnel decompression. It appears to be an anomalous superficial palmar branch of the radial artery that is substituting for the normal radial artery.     

Ulnar nerve laceration--a complication of carpal tunnel decompression: case report and review of the literature

Complications of peripheral nerve injury arising from the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome are not uncommon. No documented report of the association of ulnar nerve injury with carpal tunnel decompression has been found. This case-study describes partial laceration of the ulnar nerve as a complication of carpal tunnel surgery and reviews the literature on this subject.     

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.     

Patient satisfaction after open carpal tunnel release correlates with depression

PURPOSE: To test the null hypothesis that depression does not correlate with patient satisfaction after open release of electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome when controlling for other demographic, disease-related, and psychosocial factors. METHODS: Eighty-two survey respondents who had recovered (minimum 2 years after surgery) from a limited incision open carpal tunnel release completed measures of satisfaction, perceived disability, depression, pain catastrophizing, and pain anxiety. Univariate and multivariate analyses sought predictors of satisfaction and perceived disability from among demographic, disease related, and psychological factors. RESULTS: The average satisfaction score was 8 points (range, 0-10) and the average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 13 points (range, 0-76). Predictors of greater dissatisfaction included greater depression and the categorical electrophysiologic test rating. Predictors of perceived disability included depression, pain catastrophizing, and static numbness. Depression was the dominant predictor of both satisfaction and perceived disability. CONCLUSIONS: Dissatisfaction and perceived disability after limited open carpal tunnel release for electrodiagnostically confirmed idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome is predicted primarily by depression and ineffective coping skills and to a lesser degree by clinical or electrophysiologic evidence of advanced nerve damage. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.     

Intraoperative electroneurography during median nerve decompression in carpal tunnel syndrome

Summary In 17 patients with the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, orthodromic sensory nerve conduction measurements during ligament division and internal neurolysis were performed without the use of a pneumatic tourniquet. While ligament division led to an increase in conduction velocity (p < 0.05; median increase 0.7 m/s), it did not result in a significant change of the amplitude. During internal neurolysis, an increase of the sensory nerve potential (p<0.01; median increase 0.9 V) and no significant change in conduction velocity were observed. We conclude that internal neurolysis does not cause a disruption of nerve function during the operation.     

Evaluation of sensory function after median nerve decompression in carpal tunnel syndrome using the current perception threshold test

The recovery level for sensory function after carpal tunnel release for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was assessed with the current perception threshold (CPT) test. Seventeen CTS patients (21 hands) were followed, and the CPTs at the index finger of each patient was measured preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. After carpal tunnel release, there was significant recovery of CPT at all stimulation frequencies, indicating improvement of all sensory functions including sensations of temperature, pain, touch, and vibration.     

Lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve: A case report and review of the literature

A case of lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve in an adult is described in this article. A 33-year-old male presented with tingling, numbness and swelling in the palm of the left non dominant hand that had been present for a few months. Examination revealed that there was fullness in the volar aspect of the wrist and in the inter-thenar area. Another mass was present at the base of the index finger, which appeared to be involving subcutaneous tissues. The clinical diagnosis was carpal tunnel syndrome due to a space occupying tumor mass in the carpal tunnel. On exploration of the carpal tunnel, a large median nerve was seen 4 cm proximal to the wrist crease line and extending distally until it divided into its branches. Another mass was present at the base of the index finger, which was adherent to the skin. The radial digital nerve of the index finger was normal in size. For the enlarged nerve, an epineurotomy was performed and a biopsy was taken. Another biopsy was taken from the distal mass. His postoperative period was uneventful. In July 2004, at the end of 5 years, the patient had no symptoms and the size of the tumor had not increased.     

Anatomical variations of the carpal tunnel structures

There are many anatomical variations in and around the carpal tunnel that affect the nerves, tendons and arteries in this area. Awareness of these variations is important both during the clinical examination and during carpal tunnel release. The purpose of the present review is to highlight recognized anatomical variations within the carpal tunnel including variation in nerve anatomy, tendon anatomical variants, vascular anatomical variations and muscle anatomical variations.     

超声引导下正中神经阻滞对腕管综合征治疗效果的影响

目的观察超声引导下正中神经阻滞治疗腕管综合征的临床效果。方法选择40例(69个患腕)腕管综合征患者,性别不限,年龄33~61岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。随机分为超声组(U组)和对照组(C组),每组20例。U组采用超声引导下正中神经阻滞,C组采用解剖标志定位正中神经阻滞,两组每次阻滞药物均为布比卡因4.5mg、曲安奈德5mg、维生素B12 100μg混合液3ml。通过Boston腕管问卷调查表(BCTQ)评估患者治疗前后手症状和功能;记录治疗前后正中神经电生理参数;记录二次治疗及不良反应情况。结果与治疗前比较,治疗后1个月两组BCTQ评分中的症状严重程度评分(SSS)和功能状态评分(FSS)明显降低(P0.05),且U组SSS明显低于C组(P0.05),两组FSS差异无统计学意义。与治疗前比较,治疗后1个月两组运动潜伏期(MDL)、感觉潜伏期(SDL3)明显缩短(P0.05),感觉神经传导速度(SNCV)明显增快(P0.05),而运动神经传导速度(MNCV)差异无统计学意义。治疗后1个月,U组SNCV明显快于C组(P0.05),其余神经电生理参数两组差异无统计学意义。U组二次治疗及不良反应明显少于C组(P0.05)。结论采用超声引导下神经阻滞治疗腕管综合征能显著改善患者的手部症状,减少并发症。     

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome due to a hemangioma of the median nerve

Hemangioma of the median nerve presenting as acute carpal tunnel syndrome is unusual A-18- year old male presented with severe incapacitating pain of sudden onset of left forearm and hand after manual field work. There was swelling on volar aspect of forearm, with hyperalgesia in the median nerve distribution. The fingers and wrist were inmarked flexion and the patient did not allow wrist and finger extension. X-rays were within normal limits. An emergency volar carpal ligament release revealed, haematoma about 100 ml with numerous vessels encircling the median nerve. Histopathology of lesion turned out to be a cavernous hemangioma. Post operatively patient had full recovery.     

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。     

108例腕管综合征正中神经传导测定结果分析

分析１０８例腕管综合征正中神经传导测定结果，以求最敏感的电诊断指标。比较１０８例正中神经复合肌肉动作电位，肘至腕的运动传导速度测定及指至腕部的感觉神经动作电位三项。指标异常检测率，表明拇指至腕段的感觉传导速度减慢是最敏感的电诊断参量。１０８例中伴有前臂段运动传导速度减慢的占１０．５％。同组病例无症状上肢出现电生理异常者为２０％，指示有亚临床的腕管部神经卡压存在的可能。     

腕管切开松解减压术

腕管切开松解减压术一直被认为是外科治疗腕管综合征的经典方法，于1913年由Marie和Foix最先提出。其术式甚多，优、缺点各异，操作也有简有繁。现结合腕部神经解剖特点，将每一种术式归纳复述如下。     

Outcomes of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a meta-analysis

Background

Currently, there are two genres of surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, open versus endoscopic. The goal of our study is to analyze published data by comparing outcomes of surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and determine if one approach is superior to the other (open versus endoscopic).

Methods

A meta-analysis of retrospective series of Carpal tunnel release including >20 patients, with results measuring outcomes based on at least six of the following nine parameters (paresthesia relief, scar tenderness, two-point discrimination, thenar muscle weakness, Semmes–Weinstein/SW monofilament testing, return to work time, grip and pinch strength, and complications).

Results

Endoscopic carpal tunnel approach showed statistically superior outcomes in eight of the nine categories investigated. Only in the category of complications (mean occurrence of 1.2 % in the open release versus 2.2 % in the endoscopic release group) was the endoscopic group inferior.

Conclusion

This suggests that the endoscopic release is superior to the open release, particularly in experienced hands.     

Endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release: A short-term comparative study

Objective:

To compare the results of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (CTR) with open CTR in patients with idiopathic Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-one patients with CTS were enrolled in a prospective randomized study from May 2003 to December 2005. All patients had clinical signs or symptoms and electro-diagnostic findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome and had not responded to nonoperative management. Sixty-one cases were available for follow-up. Endoscopic CTR was performed in 30 CTS patients and open CTR was performed in 31 wrists (30 patients). Various parameters were evaluated, including each patient''s symptom amelioration, complications, operation time, time needed to resume normal lifestyle and the frequency of revision surgery. All the patients were followed up for six months.

Results:

During the initial months after surgery, the patients treated with the endoscopic method were better symptomatically and functionally. Local wound problems in terms of scarring or scar tenderness were significantly more pronounced in patients undergoing open CTR compared to patients undergoing endoscopic CTR. Average delay to return to normal activity was appreciably less in group undergoing endoscopic CTR. No significant difference was observed between the endoscopic CTR group and open CTR group in regard to symptom amelioration, electromyographic testing and complications at the end of six months.

Conclusion:

Short-term results were better with the endoscopic method as there was no scar tenderness. Results at six months were comparable in both groups.     

Impact of smoking and preoperative electrophysiology on outcome after open carpal tunnel release

Background: The aim was to evaluate the influence of smoking and preoperative electrophysiology on the outcome of open carpal tunnel release.

Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated the outcome in 493 patients (531 hands) primary operated for carpal tunnel syndrome. Data were collected from medical records, health evaluations, and QuickDASH questionnaires before surgery and 1 year after.

Results: Smokers had a higher QuickDASH score preoperatively as well as postoperatively, but the change in total score did not differ. The odds of having a postoperative QuickDASH score >10 were 2.5 times higher in smoking patients than in non-smoking patients. In 124/493 patients (25%), no clinically significant improvement was seen. Normal and extreme preoperative electrophysiology values were associated with higher postoperative scores. No correlation was found between preoperative QuickDASH scores and preoperative electrophysiology values.

Conclusions: Smokers with carpal tunnel syndrome experience more symptoms preoperatively. Smokers have remaining symptoms after surgery. There is no correlation between preoperative QuickDASH scores and preoperative electrophysiology values. Patients with normal or near to normal preoperative electrophysiology results have limited improvement after surgery.     

应用环指感觉神经传导速度测定诊断腕管综合征

目的探讨应用环指感觉神经传导速度(sensory nerve conduction velocity, SCV)诊断腕管综合征的方法。方法对18例(26手)腕部感觉动作电位潜伏期正常的患者，行顺向感觉神经传导速度测定，测定环指正中神经和尺神经SCV，中指正中神经SCV，对其结果进行比较，并与15例正常人(30手)作对照。结果中指正中神经SCV的异常率为50％，环指正中神经与尺神经SCV差值的异常率为84．6％。刺激6例(9手)患者环指后在正中神经腕部可记录到双峰波，对照组则未见。结论在腕管综合征肌电图的诊断中，比较正中神经和尺神经SCV的差值是早期诊断腕管综合征的敏感指标之一。     

腕管综合征内窥镜手术预防正中神经损伤的临床研究

目的 介绍腕管综合征内窥镜手术(endoscopic carpal tunnel release,ECTR)预防正中神经损伤并发症的方法.方法 利用彩色多普勒超声仪(B超)对37例74手患者术前进行检测.结果 71例正中神经走行在桡侧腕屈肌腱与掌长肌腱之间,3例走行在掌长肌腱与尺侧腕屈肌腱之间,并术中确认.结论 正中神经变异走行在掌长肌腱与尺侧腕屈肌腱之间是ECTR的禁忌证,B超能准确定位正中神经与掌长肌腱关系,避免内窥镜手术损伤正中神经,更具有简单、经济、方便可靠等优点.

Abstract：

Objective To introduce a method of preventing median never injury during endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Methods Ultrasonography of both wrists was done to 37 patients of carpal tunnel syndrome who were going to undergo open release of the transverse carpal ligament. Structures in the carpal tunnel were visualized to guide surgical decision-making. Results Ultrasonography showed that median never lies between the tendon of flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus in 71 patients and lies between the tendon of palmaris longus and flexor carpi ulnaris in 3 patients. These findings were confirmed during the surgeries. Conclusion It is a contraindication of ECTR if median never lies between palmaris longus and flexor carpi ulnaris. Ultrasonography can accurately reveal the relative position of median never to the palmaris longus tendon. Pre-operative ultrasonography of the wrist is a simple, inexpensive and convenient method to exclude these contraindications and thus prevent median never injuries in ECTR.