Outcomes of Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients With Unrecordable Preoperative Nerve Conduction Potentials at a Minimum of 5 Years

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the outcomes of carpal tunnel release (CTR) in a cohort of patients with preoperatively unrecordable median nerve sensory and motor potentials in comparison with historical controls at minimum 5-year follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively identified 1297 patients who underwent CTR at a tertiary care referral center from July 2008 to June 2013. After exclusion criteria and review of available preoperative nerve conduction studies, 24 patients who underwent CTR with preoperative unrecordable sensory and motor nerve potentials were identified. Fifteen living, mentally capable patients were contacted by telephone for follow-up. Our primary outcome measure was the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). Secondary outcome measures included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, pain on a 0 to 10 Likert scale, and satisfaction on a 0 to 10 Likert scale. Results: Our response rate was 80% (12 out of 15) of eligible patients. Mean follow-up was 6.9 years in our study (range, 5.4-9.5 years). The mean BCTQ symptom score was 1.4, and the mean BCTQ functional score was 1.8. Mean DASH score was 15.2. On average, patient-reported pain was 0.3 and satisfaction was 8.3. No difference was found in outcomes of CTR in patients with end-stage carpal tunnel syndrome compared with historical means. Conclusions: Patients with end-stage carpal tunnel syndrome do not have worse long-term patient-reported outcomes after CTR compared with the general population. Unrecordable nerve potentials are not a contraindication for CTR.     

腕管综合征手术方式的选择和治疗效果分析

目的回顾性分析不同类型腕管综合征（carpal tunnel syndrome,CTS）的手术方式选择并初步分析其临床疗效。 方法84例（108侧）诊断为CTS并实施手术治疗的患者,术式为腕管切开减压神经松解术或内镜下腕横韧带切断术,随访时根据患者术前是否有夜间因麻木、疼痛而醒来的病史将患者分为滑膜型CTS和卡压型CTS,并根据Kelly标准对术后疗效进行评价。 结果滑膜型CTS患者45例（59侧）,卡压型CTS患者39例（49侧）,滑膜型CTS腕管切开减压术中可见大量滑膜增生及正中神经明显充血水肿,且滑膜组织病理检查可见大量淋巴细胞浸润,而卡压型CTS腕管切开减压术中见正中神经以机械性压迫改变为主,未见大量滑膜增生。74例（98侧）患者获得随访,随访时间平均（30±19.2）个月,疗效根据Kelly标准评估,所有行腕管切开减压术患者随访时的优良率（94.9%）明显高于内镜手术患者（75.0%）（P=0.016）,其中行腕管切开减压术的滑膜型CTS和卡压型CTS患者随访时优良率分别为95.6%和93.9%,两组相比差异无统计学意义（P=0.749）,滑膜型CTS患者中行腕管切开减压术组优良率（95.6%）明显高于内镜手术组（62.5%）（P=0.020）,而卡压型CTS患者行腕管切开减压术组优良率（93.9%）与内镜手术组（83.3%）相比差异无统计学意义（P=0.286）,行内镜手术的两种类型CTS病例数虽均较少,但卡压型CTS组患者的优良率（83.3%）大于滑膜型CTS组（62.5%）。 结论腕管切开减压神经松解术是手术治疗CTS确实有效的方法,内镜下腕横韧带切断术对于卡压型CTS患者可以达到和腕管切开减压手术相近的临床疗效,但对于滑膜型CTS患者则疗效不佳,应慎重选择。     

RESULTS OF OPEN CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE: A COMPREHENSIVE,RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 188 HANDS

Background : Many recent reports of the results of decompression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel have concentrated on only one aspect of recovery (numbness, grip etc.), and there are no reports of a comprehensive study of outcome. The aim of the present study was to review comprehensively the results of the direct visualization method of decompression of the carpal tunnel and to compare them with the published results of endoscopic release. Methods : Patients' perceptions of the severity of pain, numbness and paraesthesiae due to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), before and after open carpal tunnel release (CTR) in 188 hands were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum time of follow-up of 18 months. Motor and sensory testing, provocation testing and measurement of scar tenderness in 135 hands were performed at a clinical review. Results : Subjective results showed that 70% experienced a reduction in the severity of pain after CTR, 78% of hands experienced a reduction in the severity of paraesthesiae and 77% experienced a reduction in the severity of numbness. A total of 49% had improvements in all three symptoms after CTR. At the clinical review, sensory testing revealed that 59% of hands had normal or slightly diminished light touch, 35% had normal static two-point discrimination and 61% had normal dynamic two-point discrimination. Results for Tinel's test, Phalen's test and pressure provocation testing were positive in 10% of hands. There was no scar tenderness in 38%, no persisting thenar atrophy in 90%. Normal grip strength was found in 93% and 91% had normal pinch strength. Conclusions : It was concluded that open carpal tunnel release remains a safe and reliable treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. The very low incidence of serious complications from the open technique of CTR, when compared with endoscopic CTR as published by different authors in the literature, and the comparable clinical results, appears to make the open technique a safer and preferable option. However, a properly controlled trial of both techniques is necessary to compare them.     

Fibrolipomatous hamartoma of the median nerve: A cause of acute bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in a three-year-old child: A case report and comprehensive literature review

A three-year-old boy was investigated for inexplicable incessant crying. On examination, his left wrist was mildly swollen (three to four months) and sensitive. Exploration and carpal tunnel decompression of the left wrist with incisional biopsy was performed for the presence of a fusiform swelling intimately associated with the median nerve. Histopathology revealed the presence of enlarged nerve bundles admixed with mature fat cells and diffuse fibroblastic proliferation. Three months later, he underwent urgent contralateral carpal tunnel decompression for a similar presentation. The final diagnosis was bilateral fibrolipomatous hamartoma (FLH) of the median nerves causing acute bilateral compression neuropathy.FLH of the median nerve is an extremely unusual cause of acute bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in a young child presenting with ‘incessant crying’. A comprehensive review of FLH including epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, imaging, pathology, treatment and prognosis is discussed.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery: identification of a neurophysiological high-risk category

Surgical decompression of the median nerve is a standardized treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. After surgery a clinical and neurophysiological improvement is observed also on severe cases. We report 4 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in the hands of 3 patients with prolonged median wrist-thenar distal motor latency (longer than 10 ms, normal values < 4.0 ms) and absence of digit-wrist sensory responses. In these patients surgery caused complete loss of median nerve function. Such a marked increase of median distal motor latency (DML) is rare (0.6% in 500 CTS hands consecutively examined in our laboratory) and suggests the presence of a chronic condition with severe disruption of the myelin. On the basis of these anecdotal observations, we suggest that patients with median DML of 10 ms or more be considered at high risk for CTS surgery failure. Received: 5 July 2000; Accepted: 6 October 2000     

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome from burns of the hand and wrist

Acute median nerve compression usually occurs from increased pressure within the carpal tunnel and forearm compartments. Although the hyperesthesia from burns may mimic symptoms of acute compression neuropathy, clinical diagnosis should be made from history, clinical signs and symptoms. Early recognition and decompression of the carpal tunnel either as part of the burn excision or along with escharotomy usually leads to 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。     

Clinical and neurophysiologic characteristics of the pronator syndrome

Nine patients were clinically diagnosed as having a pronator syndrome, i.e., high median nerve compression. The main symptom was pain at the proximal volar aspect of the forearm increasing for several hours after exercise. All patients showed local tenderness over the median nerve 4-5 cm distal to the elbow and pain on active forearm pronation against resistance. Two patients had been previously operated upon for carpal tunnel syndrome. Preoperative routine neurographic-electromyographic studies were normal. In the differential diagnosis, the exclusion of carpal tunnel syndrome and anterior interosseous nerve entrapment is most important. On active isometric forearm pronation, interference with median nerve motor conduction occurred in three patients preoperation. This phenomenon had disappeared following median nerve decompression at the level of the pronator muscle. Fibrous bands from the pronator muscle, encircling the nerve, seemed to be an etiological factor. Eight of nine patients were either improved or recovered completely by surgical treatment.     

腕管综合征术前、后感觉神经动作电位与复合肌肉动作电位检测结果的比较

目的　比较腕管综合征术前和正中神经松解术后 (术中 )两者感觉神经动作电位 (sensorynerveactionpotential ,SNAP)与复合肌肉动作电位 (compoundmuscleactionpotential,CMAP)检测结果的差异。方法　对 2 0例腕管综合征患者 ,术中在切开屈肌支持带及正中神经松解术后 ,分别测定 (1)拇短展肌的CMAP ;(2 )刺激示、中指 ,于腕部记录正中神经的SNAP ;(3 )刺激环指 ,于腕部分别记录正中神经和尺神经的SNAP。将三者结果与术前的相应数据行统计学分析。结果　 (1)术前拇短展肌CMAP的潜伏期小于4 3ms ,术后其潜伏期、波幅与术前相比差异无统计学意义 (P >0 0 5 )。 (2 )术后 2～ 4指SNAP的潜伏期比术前平均缩短 5 %、波幅增加 13 %左右 ,两者相比差异均有统计学意义 (P <0 0 1)。结论　腕管综合征手术中 ,在正中神经松解术后行SNAP检测较CMAP检测的结果更为敏感和准确。     

Prophylactic carpal tunnel decompression during buttress plating of the distal radius--is it justified?

Our objective was to evaluate the role of carpal tunnel decompression in preventing median nerve dysfunction after buttress plating of the distal radius. We studied 69 consecutive patients with distal radial fractures managed by volar plating over a 4-year period. (1995-1998). Patients' clinical notes were assessed for symptoms of median nerve dysfunction and all the patients were followed up for a minimum period of 6 months. Twenty-four patients had prophylactic carpal tunnel decompression and 45 patients did not. Forty-two patients (61%) were women and 27 patients (39%) men. The average age of the patients was 56 years, (range 24-81 years). Overall 17 patients (25%) developed median nerve dysfunction post-operatively of which nine patients had and eight patients did not have formal prophylactic tunnel decompression, respectively; this was not statistically significant (P=0.08). In addition prophylactic decompressed patients had more than twice the relative odds=2.7 (confidence interval: CI=0.94-4.76) of developing median nerve dysfunction. All cases resolved spontaneously except for three cases that required carpal tunnel decompression. We conclude that prophylactic median nerve decompression does not alter the course of median nerve dysfunction and may increase post-operative morbidity.     

Canaletto implant in revision surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome: 21 case series

Revision carpal tunnel surgery varies from 0.3% to 19%. It involves a delayed neurolysis and prevention of perineural fibrosis. Despite numerous available procedures, the results remain mediocre. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of the Canaletto implant in this indication. Our series includes 20 patients (1 bilateral affection) reoperated for carpal tunnel between October 2008 and December 2009. After the first operation, the symptom-free period was 112 weeks, on average. The average incision was 27 mm. After neurolysis, the Canaletto implant was placed in contact with the nerve. Immediate postoperative mobilization was commenced. Sensory (pain, DN4, and hypoesthesia), motor (Jamar, muscle wasting), and functional (disabilities of the arm, should, and hand; DASH) criteria were evaluated. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of the median nerve was measured. Average follow up was 12.1 months. All measurements were improved after insertion of the Canaletto implant: pain (6.45-3.68), DN4 (4.29-3.48), Quick DASH (55.30-34.96), Jamar (66.11-84.76), NCV (29.79-39.06 m/s), hypoesthesia (76.2-23.8%), wasting (42.9-23.8%). Nevertheless, four patients did not improve, and pain was the same or worse in six cases. Our results show that in recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome, Canaletto implant insertion gives results at least as good as other techniques, with the added advantage of a smaller access incision, a rapid, less invasive technique, and the eliminated morbidity of raising a flap to cover the median nerve.     

腕管综合征术中神经电生理检测与手术疗效评价的初步探讨

目的 通过对腕管综合征术前、术中正中神经-拇短展肌复合肌肉动作电位(compound muscle action potential,CMAP)变化的观察,寻求检测手术效果的可靠指标和时机.方法 对15例腕管综合征行腕管切开正中神经松解术的患者,分别于术前(臂丛神经阻滞麻醉后)、正中神经松解术毕松止血带后即刻及1、3、5、7 min检测正中神经-拇短展肌CMAP潜伏期和波幅的动态变化,并与术前检测值进行统计学分析.方果 正中神经松解术毕松止血带后即刻至5 min,正中神经.拇短展肌CMAP的潜伏期和波幅随时间变化而有显著改变(P<0.05),5 min以后的变化差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).正中神经-拇短展肌CMAP的潜伏期比术前缩短,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但波幅与术前相比差异有明显统计学意义(P<0.01).方论 对腕管综合征行神经松解术后,拇短展肌CMAP的波幅比其潜伏期更能体现神经松解的疗效,而在松止血带5 min后进行神经电生理检测来评价手术效果更为可靠.     

Lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve in patients with macrodactyly: diagnosis and treatment of a rare disease causing carpal tunnel syndrome

Lipofibromatous hamartoma is a very rare benign peripheral nerve tumour. It is mostly encountered in the proximal extremities of young adults, involving the median nerve in the majority of cases. We present two patients with macrodactyly and carpal tunnel syndrome caused by lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve and discuss diagnosis and treatment of the disease. A 10-year-old girl with a congenital progressive macrodactyly of her right index finger presented with a slowly growing mass in her right palm and pain and numbness, along with motor and sensory deficits in the median nerve distribution. Treatment consisted of carpal tunnel release, epineurolysis and partial excision of the fibrofatty tissue. The second patient, a 25-year-old man presented with a swelling in his left palm and findings compatible with carpal tunnel syndrome. Intraoperatively, the lesion presented as sausage-shaped enlargement of the median nerve by fibrofatty tissue. After carpal tunnel release, a partial excision of the mass with epineurolysis was performed. In both patients, histology showed nerve bundles separated by abundant fibrofatty tissue. In the girl, a proliferation of dysplastic perineurial cells could be observed. The suspected diagnosis for patients with macrodactyly and clinical signs of carpal tunnel syndrome should be lipofibromatous hamartoma. A carefully taken history, physical examination, X-ray, and MRI are important for its correct diagnosis. The surgical management remains controversial. Treatment should include decompression of the median nerve at points of compression, partial excision of the fibrofatty tissue, and debulking of soft tissue. In some cases, an epineurolysis can be additionally performed.     

Ultrasound assessment of the effectiveness of carpal tunnel release on median nerve deformation

To assess the biomechanical effect of carpal tunnel release (CTR), we evaluated the deformation and displacement patterns of the median nerve before and after CTR in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients. Sixteen wrists of 14 idiopathic CTS patients who had open CTR and 26 wrists of 13 asymptomatic volunteers were evaluated by ultrasound. Cross‐sectional images of the carpal tunnel during motion from full finger extension to flexion were recorded. The area, perimeter, aspect ratio of a minimum enclosing rectangle, and circularity of the median nerve were measured in finger extension and flexion positions. Deformation indices, determined by the flexion–extension ratio for each parameter, were compared before and after CTR. After CTR, the deformation indices of perimeter and circularity became significantly larger and the aspect ratio became significantly smaller than those before CTR (p < 0.05). Those differences were more obvious when comparing the values between the patients before CTR and the controls. Since the deformation indices after CTR are similar to the patterns of normal subjects, the surrounding structures and environment of the median nerve may be normalized upon CTR. This may be a way to tell how the median nerves recover after CTR. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:726–730, 2015.     

ASSOCIATION OF OBESITY,GENDER, AGE AND OCCUPATION WITH CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Background : The present study determines the association of obesity, gender, age and occupation in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in a New Zealand population. Methods : Analysis of questionnaires and clinical review of patients who had undergone surgical decompression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Results : The age and gender distribution of 655 hands (512 patients) that had undergone carpal tunnel release (CTR) were compared with the age and gender distribution of the New Zealand population. The results indicate that the 3-year-period prevalence of CTS in females is more than double that in males. Proportionally there were more patients over age 55 than in the general population. The findings also indicate that, proportionally, six times the number of females who worked in moderate manual work underwent CTR compared with the general female population and proportionally twice the number of males who worked in heavy office/clerical work underwent CTR compared with the general male population. It was also found that CTR patients are twice as likely to be overweight (body mass index [BMI] > 25) than the general population and female patients are twice as likely to be obese (BMI > 30) than the general population. Conclusions : Carpal tunnel syndrome is more than twice as common in females as it is in males, and patients aged more than 55 years are more likely to suffer from CTS. Females with CTS are more likely to work in moderate manual work and males with CTS are more likely to work in heavy office/clerical work. Obesity and CTS are related statistically.     

Carpal tunnel pressure alters median nerve function in a dose-dependent manner: a rabbit model for carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: An in vivo animal model for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is presented which allows for graded application of pressure to the median nerve within the carpal canal. We hypothesized that such pressure would cause electrophysiologic changes in the median nerve in a dose-related manner, with NCS/EMG changes consistent with CTS in humans. METHODS: In 40 New Zealand white rabbits, ranging from 2 to 2.5 kg, angioplasty catheters were placed in the carpal tunnel in the forepaws and pressures ranging from 50 to 80 mmHg applied to one side while the contralateral side served as the control and remained uninflated. Pressure was applied until a 15% increase in distal motor latency was obtained for 2 consecutive weeks by nerve conduction studies. RESULTS: All the experimental limbs exhibited a 15% increase in distal motor latency. None of the control limbs showed a significant increase in distal motor latency. In the experimental animals the 15% delay was achieved in approximately 4-5 weeks in the 50-70 mmHg groups and in approximately 1 week in the 80 mmHg group. CONCLUSION: This new animal model for CTS demonstrates a direct cause and effect relationship between carpal tunnel pressure and median nerve dysfunction. We anticipate that this in vivo model with clinically relevant outcomes will facilitate identification of injury mechanisms, and will serve as a basis for future development of novel interventions and treatments.     

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.     

Plexiform neurofibroma of the median nerve

Summary A case of plexiform neurofibroma of the median nerve is presented. This hamartomatous condition presented as a growth in the palm and in the distal third of the forearm, with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment consisted of division of the volar carpal ligament for relief of pain and a neurolysis of the median nerve with partial resection of the tumour mass.     

A Controlled Trial Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Looped Thread Carpal Tunnel Release

Background: Open carpal tunnel release typically requires several weeks of recovery. A less invasive, ultrasound-guided percutaneous technique of releasing the transverse carpal ligament using a thread (thread carpal tunnel release [TCTR]) has been described. To date, its clinical effectiveness and safety have been evaluated exclusively by the group that developed the technique, using a single outcome measure without a control comparison. The objective of this study was to independently evaluate the safety and effectiveness of TCTR using multiple outcome measures and a control comparison. Methods: A convenience sample of 20 participants with refractory moderate or severe carpal tunnel syndrome underwent TCTR of their most symptomatic hand. Outcome measures included pre-TCTR and 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-TCTR Boston questionnaire; pre-, 3-, and 6-month post-TCTR monofilament sensibility, strength, ultrasound, and electrodiagnostic testing; weekly post-TCTR phone interviews for 1 month; and satisfaction surveys at 3 and 6 months post-TCTR. Results: No complications were reported. During the month post-TCTR, significant prompt improvements in hand pain and dysfunction occurred. The following significant improvements were demonstrated in the treated versus control hand: Boston Questionnaire scores, median nerve distal motor latency, transcarpal tunnel motor and sensory conduction velocities and sensory nerve action potential amplitudes. No significant differences in sensibility, pinch or grip strength, median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) at the carpal tunnel inlet, or wrist: forearm median nerve CSA ratio were documented between TCTR and control sides. Satisfaction with the TCTR procedure was high (85%-90%). Conclusions: This study supports previous reports that the TCTR procedure is safe and effective.