Neurophysiological recovery after open carpal tunnel decompression: comparison of simple decompression and decompression with epineurotomy

Two hundred and seventy-three patients with carpal tunnel syndrome without advanced neurophysiological changes (distal motor latency below 11 ms) were randomized to treatment by open carpal tunnel release with, or without, epineurotomy. Patients were examined clinically and by nerve conduction studies preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. We found no statistically significant difference between simple decompression and decompression combined with epineurotomy with regard to either the clinical or the neurophysiological outcome.     

Neurophysiology not required before surgery for typical carpal tunnel syndrome

Sixty-eight patients with typical carpal tunnel syndrome underwent neurophysiological investigations preoperatively, but these were not assessed until the end of the study. Open carpal tunnel release was performed and the clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was considered as confirmed when there was a prompt resolution of the preoperative symptoms. Sixty-three of the 68 patients responded well to surgery, three had equivocal outcomes and two did not improve, and thus were considered not to have carpal tunnel syndrome. The neurophysiological tests were normal in these two patients, but were also normal in 14 of the 63 patients who improved with carpal tunnel surgery. Preoperative neurophysiology might therefore have led to up to 14 of the 63 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome being turned down for surgery. We conclude that neurophysiological studies contribute little to the diagnosis in typical cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, and are more often confounding than of assistance.     

Selection of Operative Procedures for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The purpose of this study was to investigate the primary operative procedures that are performed by hand surgeons for cubital tunnel syndrome and their reported satisfaction with these procedures. The survey consisted of 22 questions regarding primary operative treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome and demographics and was sent by email to the 459 active members of the American Association for Hand Surgery. One hundred sixty-four surgeons completed the survey (36% response rate). The total sample included 154 hand surgeons (143 males, 11 females) who operated on cubital tunnel syndrome and the majority of surgeons were in private practice (n = 100) followed by academic practice (n = 50). The most prevalent factors that influence the decision to operate include evidence of muscle atrophy (84%), abnormal nerve conduction studies (51%), and failed non-operative treatment (49%). Most surgeons (n = 133) reported using more than one operative procedure for their patients with cubital tunnel syndrome. Factors that influenced the operative procedure selected included the degree of nerve compression (60%), medical comorbidities (30%), patient's occupation (28%), and obesity (22%). Following carpal tunnel surgery, 88% of the surgeons were "very satisfied" with their patient outcome and following surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome, only 44% were "very satisfied" with their patient outcome. Most surgeons use more than one operative procedure in their treatment of patients with cubital tunnel syndrome and the selection of the operative procedure is influenced by patient factors and surgeon preference.     

Intermediate and long-term outcomes following simple decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow

INTRODUCTION: There is currently little consensus regarding the appropriate surgical approach to treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CubTS), and few studies have reported long-term follow-up of patients who have received surgical treatment for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. METHOD: Seventy-four patients with a total of 102 cases of CubTS treated with simple decompression of the ulnar nerve were examined 1.0-12.4 years postoperatively. Ulnar nerve conduction studies (slowest conducting 5 cm segment of ulnar nerve motor fibers measured at the elbow) were performed both pre- and postoperatively. The primary clinical outcome was percentage relief of symptoms, divided into "excellent" outcome group or less (> or = 90% improvement or < 90% improvement). RESULTS: Ulnar nerve conduction improved pre- to postoperatively, but clinical improvement was not related to changes in velocity. Women reported greater clinical improvement than men, and weight gain in men (but not women) predicted less improvement. Relief of cubital tunnel symptoms was greatest for those arms receiving carpal tunnel release surgery simultaneous or subsequent to cubital tunnel release. DISCUSSION: Simple decompression may offer excellent intermediate and long-term relief of symptoms associated with CubTS. Although improvement in ulnar motor nerve conduction velocity occurs following treatment of CubTS, it may not be a consistent marker of perceived symptom relief. Finally, these findings suggest that less complete relief of symptoms following ulnar nerve decompression may be related to unrecognized carpal tunnel syndrome or weight gain.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome--assessment of nerve decompression with the "double approach" technique]

In the paper is presented the evaluation of the operative treatment of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome with minimally invasive procedure. Material includes 33 patients (36 operated nerves) being operated form 2001 to 2004. The evaluation was proceeded before operation and in control examinations 4 week and 6 months after operation. In the evaluation both subjective and objective method of the outcome were utilized. At the final examination with the subjective-method all patients presented either very good or good outcome. In the objective evaluation in 30 cases (83.4%) the outcome was very good or good. In the rest six cases (16.6%) the outcome was satisfactory or poor. Minimally invasive methods in treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome allows the achievement of good results especially in subjective perspective relieving the symptoms.     

Internal neurolysis or ligament division only in carpal tunnel syndrome II a 3 year follow-up with an evaluation of various neurophysiological parameters for diagnosis

48 patients with clinical and neurophysiological signs of carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized to any of two operative methods: Internal neurolysis of the median nerve with a microsurgical technique, or simple division of the carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum). After a minimum follow-up period of 3 years 81% of the patients did not report any complaints at all, and all patients considered themselves improved after operation. There was no difference between the operation groups. Therefore there seems to be no justification to perform the more difficult procedure of internal microsurgical neurolysis for treatment of the carpal tunnel syndrome. A study of the neurophysiological parameters before and after restitution showed the highest sensitivity (91%) for the sensory conduction velocity, and the highest specificity for motor distal latency and sensory distal latency (83 and 75% resp.).     

The outcome of carpal tunnel decompression in patients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is recognised as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome. The response to treatment is unclear, and may be poorer than in non-diabetic patients. Previous randomised studies of interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome have specifically excluded diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients, and compare the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression with non-diabetic patients. The primary endpoint was improvement in the QuickDASH score. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 11.3% (176 of 1564). Diabetic patients were more likely to have severe neurophysiological findings at presentation. Patients with diabetes had poorer QuickDASH scores at one year post-operatively (p = 0.028), although the mean difference was lower than the minimal clinically important difference for this score. After controlling for underlying differences in age and gender, there was no difference between groups in the magnitude of improvement after decompression (p = 0.481). Patients with diabetes mellitus can therefore be expected to enjoy a similar improvement in function.     

Disability outcomes in a worker's compensation population: surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

A retrospective record review of patients with occupational carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve conduction velocity studies, and a closed Workers' Compensation case was undertaken to compare the outcome of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment with respect to disability and return to work status. Between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1993, 182 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. Surgical release of the carpal tunnel was performed in 57% of patients and the other 43% were treated conservatively. Overall, 82% of patients returned to full work status, whereas 18% had duty modifications. Surgical treatment decreased the rate of duty modifications and disability ratings compared with nonsurgical treatment and reduced the odds of incurring disability. Severity of carpal tunnel syndrome was also a significant factor affecting disability. Despite the generally held belief that the outcome of treatment of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome is poor, the present study shows that both surgical and nonsurgical treatment is effective. However, patients treated with surgery had decreased disability when compared with those who were treated conservatively.     

Self-administered hand symptom diagram for carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis

In a prospective case series in Singapore we studied whether a hand symptom diagram can be used to predict carpal tunnel syndrome as defined by standardized clinical and neurophysiological protocol. Forty patients (mean age, 48 years, range 18-76) with carpal tunnel syndrome found it difficult to complete the hand diagram, and only four patients were able to mark it helpfully. There was no relation between drawings, clinical and neurophysiological parameters. A self-administered hand symptoms diagram is not useful for supporting a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome amongst Singaporeans. Cultural factors may significantly influence subjective assessment scales such as the self-administered hand symptom diagram, which has been found effective in North American populations.     

腕管综合征复发7例分析

目的 总结7例小切口手术治疗腕管综合征复发病例的诊治过程,为临床提供治疗经验.方法 2012年1月至2019年12月,对已在外院经临床和电生理确诊为腕管综合征且行小切口手术治疗后复发的7例病人进行二次常规手术切口治疗.术中探查发现7例腕管内均有白色粉末状物沉积,给予腕管内病灶清除及彻底松解正中神经.根据顾玉东推荐的腕管...     

The use of free fat grafts in recalcitrant carpal tunnel: a retrospective study

We present a retrospective study evaluating the proclaimed beneficial effect of the use of fat grafts in patients with recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome. Twenty-one re-decompression operations with fat grafting (group I) and 20 routine re-decompressions (group II) were assessed postoperatively with a questionnaire, physical examination, and nerve conduction studies. Both groups were improved by the operative intervention, but no significant differences were found between the two surgical techniques for postoperative severity of symptoms, threshold sensation, pain assessment, nerve conduction velocities, or patients' satisfaction with the postoperative result. Only the postoperative functional status score of the fat grafted patients revealed a trend to a significantly worse outcome. The fat grafted patients sustained more problems with a hypersensitive scar at the wrist level immediately after surgery, although on long-term review there was no significant difference in scar tenderness between the two groups. We concluded that implantation of free fat grafts has not proved to be of additional benefit in patients with recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome.     

High incidence of absent nerve conduction in older patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Carpal tunnel syndrome has been reported by some to have a less satisfactory outcome in older patients following surgery. However, this impression is not supported by other investigators but no objective explanation has been suggested for these differences. In our department, such patients are routinely treated with night wrist splints and, if this is unsatisfactory, they are investigated with nerve conduction studies prior to surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This paper reports the neurophysiological outcome in a young (< 40 years of age) and an older (> 60 years of age) group of patients with clinical bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome who did not benefit from splints.

RESULTS

The results showed that both the motor and sensory conduction speeds are significantly lower in the older age group. More importantly in the older group, half had one or more hands where the sensory conduction was absent. In four out of these 10 patients this finding was bilateral and three patients had unilateral absent motor conduction. In the younger group, no patient had absent conduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor surgical outcome in some older patients may be because of irreversibly damaged nerves prior to surgery and pre-operative neurophysiology is, therefore, recommended both for clinical and medicolegal reasons.     

Retrospective analysis of 242 patients whose carpal tunnels were released using a one-port endoscopic procedure: superior results of early intervention

Various approaches to endoscopic carpal tunnel release have been described, including the advantages of the open compared with the endoscopic technique. However recent results suggest that both are equal in terms of outcome and morbidity. The misconception about the potential morbidity and the hope of successful conservative treatment can sometimes delay operative release of the carpal tunnel. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the preoperative duration of symptoms influences outcome and recovery. Patients who had endoscopic release of the carpal tunnel using a modified one-port method were included in this retrospective study. Patients' satisfaction and general outcome were analysed with a questionnaire. A total of 242 patients were included in the study, and the data of 170 endoscopic decompression operations were analysed (70%). There were no major operative complications, except the conversion to open release in one case. There was a significant association between the preoperative interval of symptoms and the return to everyday activities and normal function (p < 0.001). Patients with longer-lasting symptoms also had reduced recovery of postoperative strength, which was negatively associated with the duration of preoperative symptoms (p < 0.001). Operative decompression by the endoscopic one-port method is a low risk procedure with a low morbidity. The decision for operative decompression should be made as early as possible to avoid complications seen in patients with long-lasting symptoms and permanent nerve damage.     

The role of flexor tenosynovectomy in the operative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

BACKGROUND: We conducted a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the effect of flexor tenosynovectomy as an adjunct to open carpal tunnel release for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and reviewed the histological characteristics of the flexor tenosynovium to identify possible correlations between histopathology and symptoms. METHODS: Eighty-eight wrists in eighty-seven patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized to open carpal tunnel release with or without flexor tenosynovectomy. A validated self-administered questionnaire for the assessment of symptom severity and functional status was completed both before and after the operation to assess patient outcome. The study group included fifteen men and seventy-two women with a mean age of fifty-eight years. All patients were followed for a minimum of twelve months after the operation. Intraoperatively, the tenosynovium of all patients was graded on the basis of its gross appearance. Half of the wrists were then treated with a flexor tenosynovectomy through the operative incision, and the tenosynovium was graded histologically. Correlations were sought between the gross appearance of the tenosynovium and the preoperative and postoperative symptoms and functional status, between the histologic appearance of the tenosynovium and the preoperative and postoperative symptoms and functional status, and between the gross and the histologic findings. RESULTS: After the operation, both groups improved significantly with respect to symptom severity and functional status (paired t test), with no significant difference between the groups (unpaired t test). No significant correlation was found between the gross appearance of the tenosynovium and the preoperative or postoperative symptoms and functional status, between the histologic appearance of the tenosynovium and the preoperative or postoperative symptoms and functional status, or between the gross and the histologic findings. CONCLUSIONS: We observed neither an added benefit nor an increased rate of morbidity in association with the performance of a flexor tenosynovectomy at the time of carpal tunnel release. We identified no clinical correlations that might predict which individuals would benefit from flexor tenosynovectomy on the basis of either the gross (intraoperative) or histologic evaluation of the flexor tenosynovium. Our findings suggest that routine flexor tenosynovectomy offers no benefit compared with sectioning of the transverse carpal ligament alone for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.     

Ganglion cysts and carpal tunnel syndrome

We review 12 cases of ganglion cyst with carpal tunnel syndrome in 11 patients seen at the Hand Rehabilitation Center. Mean age was 42 years (range, 28 to 60 years). One half of the cysts were associated with direct trauma, usually with wrist hyperextension. Symptoms usually developed after the appearance or sudden growth of the cyst. Motor conduction or distal sensory latency was abnormal in seven of eight studied cases. Tinel's sign on tapping the cyst may be pathognomonic for this syndrome. Cyst removal and incision of the flexor retinaculum relieved the symptoms in 11 cases. The other case had total resolution after spontaneous cyst rupture. This syndrome is successfully treated with cyst decompression with release of the carpal canal and has an excellent prognosis. To our knowledge this represents the largest operative series of carpal tunnel syndrome and ganglion cyst.     

Results of the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome--a review]

Based on review of the literature, a comprehensive information on the methods and outcomes of the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is provided. Conservative treatment of the syndrome includes immobilization of the wrist, physiotherapy, drug therapy and steroid injections into carpal tunnel. Effectiveness of the conservative measures is acceptable in short perspective, but not in long term follow-up. The most common treatment in the carpal tunnel syndrome is surgery, which consists in division of the transverse carpal ligament. The advantages and drawbacks of various operative techniques are presented including classical open, endoscopic and limited open techniques with general conclusion that only operative carpal tunnel release warrants permanent recovery. A chronology and sequence of the withdrawal of symptoms of the disease was described: nocturnal pain disappears usually within first week after decompression, sensation improves within 3 months, and grip strength, after immediate post-operative deterioration, improves gradually even up to 2 years after operation. It was outlined that some patients may complain of pain and discomfort relating to the post-operative scar in the wrist, and that may be secondary morbidity, complications and recurrence after surgery. It was concluded that method of operative technique has not significant effect on long-term outcome, but in short perspective mini-invasive measures are favoured by the patients.     

The relationship of the double crush to carpal tunnel syndrome (an analysis of 1,000 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome)

In this series of 1,000 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (888 patients) there is a statistically significant incidence of bilaterality in patients with cervical arthritis. There is also a statistically significant increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus over the general population. These findings lend further support to Upton's Double Crush hypothesis. Further, the double crush syndrome predisposes to bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and may be an important prognostic factor. It may also be an explanation for some of the failures following carpal tunnel surgery and lead surgeons to look for other associated systemic diseases or mechanical blocks, when attempting to alleviate recalcitrant symptoms.     

Prospective comparison of the six-item carpal tunnel symptoms scale and portable nerve conduction testing in measuring the outcomes of treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with steroid injection

Background

We prospectively studied patients clinically diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and treated with the injection of corticosteroid into their carpal tunnel in order to compare changes in the six-item CTS symptoms scale and portable nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters as outcome tools. Our pilot study was the first to assess the utility of the six-item CTS symptom scale (CTS-6) with steroid injections as a patient-directed outcome measure for the treatment of CTS.

Methods

We enrolled patients who presented to our county hospital orthopedic surgery clinic from August 2012 through August 2013. The patients were clinically diagnosed with CTS. After completing the six-item CTS symptoms scale questionnaire, portable NCS was obtained. Each patient then received an injection of 1 ml of triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg/ml mixed with 1 ml of 1 % lidocaine into the carpal tunnel. Six weeks postinjection, each patient repeated a CTS-6 questionnaire and underwent a repeat portable NCS. The CTS-6 and NCS results were analyzed using the paired samples t test. A Pearson correlation was used to assess the correlation between the changes in the CTS-6 and the NCS measurements. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Thirty-two wrists in 20 patients were evaluated. There was a statistically significant difference between the CTS-6 scores before and after injection. There were also statistically significant changes in the five of the NCS parameters. None of the correlations between the CTS-6 and the NCS parameters were statistically significant.

Conclusions

The six-item CTS symptoms scale and portable NCS are both useful measures for evaluating the results of steroid injections. The CTS-6 is an effective tool because of its ease of use, low cost, correspondence with changes in NCS, and ability to monitor the outcome of steroid treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Carpal tunnel syndrome in patients who are receiving long-term renal hemodialysis

Introduction The development of a carpal tunnel syndrome has become an increasingly recognized problem in patients who are treated by long-term hemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula has been identified as one of the possible cause for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Materials and methods Wrists of 558 hemodialysis patients who had fistula at least 1 year served as the case group and the other intact wrists of the same patients served as the control group. Carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed clinically; however, 232 random patients underwent electrodiagnostic studies the day after hemodialysis. Results In 170 (30.5%) wrists with arteriovenous fistula developed carpal tunnel syndrome versus 68 (12.2%) in the contralateral wrist. Three patients had a concurrent diagnosed radial steal syndrome. In all three wrists that had radial steal syndrome developed carpal tunnel syndrome. There was a correlation, however, between the development of the carpal tunnel syndrome, and the side of the longest vascular access. Contrary to the clinical assessment, electrodiagnostic studies did not indicate any significant association between the frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome and arteriovenous fistula or its duration. Conclusion Hemodialysis patients are at considerable risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist with an arteriovenous fistula. Close observation and routine clinical examination is mandatory to prevent further problems.     

Corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome: a 5-year survivorship analysis

Background

The purpose of our study was to determine the rate of carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) following local corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), as well as identifying predictors of requiring further intervention and eventual decompression.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with CTS in our unit over a 6-year period were prospectively assessed. Patients were diagnosed using a combination of clinical presentation and nerve conduction studies. Patients were managed with open carpal tunnel decompression or corticosteroid injection. There were 1,564 consecutive patients diagnosed with CTS over the study period, of whom 824 (53%) underwent a corticosteroid injection as their primary treatment. We performed a survivorship analysis of these patients and used Kaplan–Meier survivorship methodology to determine the 5-year rate of re-intervention. Risk factors for re-intervention were also determined.

Results

The overall 5-year Kaplan–Meier rate of secondary CTD was 15% at 1 year and 33% at 5 years. The need for secondary CTD was independently associated with female gender, diabetes mellitus and positive nerve conduction studies at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Steroid injection is an appropriate treatment in carefully selected patients. Those who are female, diabetic and have neurophysiological confirmation of diagnosis have the highest risk of relapse. These results may be used to guide initial treatment and counsel patients about the risk relapse.