A histological and immunohistochemical study of the subsynovial connective tissue in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome

BACKGROUND: The most common histological finding in carpal tunnel syndrome is noninflammatory synovial fibrosis. The accumulated effect of minor injuries is believed to be an important etiologic factor in some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. We sought evidence of such injuries in the synovial tissue of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and in cadaver controls. METHODS: We compared synovial specimens from thirty patients who had idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome with specimens from a control group of ten fresh-frozen cadavers of individuals who had not had an antemortem diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and who met the same exclusion criteria. Analysis included histological and immunohistochemical examination for the distribution of collagen types I, II, III, and VI and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) RI, RII, and RIII. RESULTS: Histological examination showed a marked increase in fibroblast density, collagen fiber size, and vascular proliferation in the specimens from the patients compared with the control specimens (p < 0.001). Collagen types I and II were not found in the synovium of either the patients or the controls, but collagen type VI was a major component of both. Collagen type-III fibers were more abundant in the patients than in the controls (p < 0.001). Expression of TGF-beta RI was found in the endothelial cells and fibroblasts in the patient and control specimens, with a marked increase in expression in the fibroblasts of the patients compared with that in the control tissue (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings are similar to those after injury to skin, tendon, and ligament and suggest that patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome may have sustained an injury to the subsynovial connective tissue.     

Utilization of orthopaedic services for hand and wrist conditions in a capitated population

BACKGROUND: The utilization of orthopaedic services (office visits and surgery) to treat hand and wrist conditions is not well known. In this study, we report the utilization rates for patients referred for orthopaedic treatment of hand and wrist conditions in a large population of individuals enrolled in a capitated insurance plan. METHODS: The study population consisted of individuals enrolled, between January 1998 and December 2001, in a capitated insurance plan that had an annual average membership of 135,188 during that period. This plan was serviced by an independent physician association of sixty-two orthopaedic surgeons who were responsible for all orthopaedic care. Data were collected prospectively in a centralized database as patients with various hand or wrist conditions were referred for orthopaedic services. Odds ratios were used to compare gender-specific and age-specific utilization rates. RESULTS: Overall utilization rates were 18.06 office visits and 6.47 surgical procedures per 1000 members per year. The most frequent hand or wrist conditions were fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis or tenosynovitis, and ganglion or synovial cysts. These four diagnoses accounted for 70% of all office visits and 71% of all surgical cases. Across all age groups, males had a significantly higher rate of utilization of office visits (p < 0.001). Between the ages of thirty-five and fifty-five years, utilization of office visits and surgery increased approximately linearly with age. CONCLUSIONS: A comparison of these data with those of previous reports indicates that approximately one of every ten patients who are referred for orthopaedic services has a hand or wrist condition, and nearly half will require surgery.     

Clinical management of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with long-term sequelae of poliomyelitis

Thirty-three patients with long-term sequelae of poliomyelitis with a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome established by either abnormal nerve conduction studies or previous carpal tunnel surgery were surveyed. There was no significant long-term resolution of symptoms in the patients who had surgery (n = 9) or were currently using wrist orthoses (n = 11) compared with patients without such treatment (n = 13). In patients who used a single cane or those who used crutches (N = 10), there was a direct correlation between the hand holding the cane or crutch and the hand in which carpal tunnel syndrome developed. The chronic use of cane and crutch predisposes these patients to development of carpal tunnel syndrome, and caution should be used when considering wrist surgery.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to wrist and finger flexor spasticity

Ten patients with spastic wrist flexion deformities secondary to traumatic brain injury were evaluated for carpal tunnel syndrome. The angle of wrist flexion deformity averaged 75 degrees (range, 58 to 115 degrees). Nerve conduction studies demonstrated prolonged median motor and/or sensory latencies in all patients. Preoperative wick catheter measurements of carpal tunnel pressures in eight patients averaged 11 mm Hg in the resting position, 21 mm Hg in maximal wrist flexion, and 15 mm Hg in maximal extension. Each patient had carpal tunnel release with simultaneous wrist and finger flexor tendon releases or lengthenings. At surgery nine of the median nerves were constricted at the proximal edge of the transverse carpal ligament. The presence of normal carpal tunnel pressures and impingement of the median nerve at the proximal edge of the transverse carpal ligament indicates that the chronically flexed posture of the wrist resulted in median nerve compression, and this condition may be aggravated by underlying pressure from the spastic finger flexors.     

Endoscopic release in carpal tunnel syndrome: analysis of clinical results in 200 cases.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy. Conventional carpal tunnel surgery has been performed as a primary procedure for the decompression of the median nerve at the wrist in patients who have idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. While the results have been excellent, this surgical procedure has been reported to be related to high postoperative morbidity and extended length of recovery time. Over the past decade, endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament has been developed as a new, alternative method to the open procedures. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has been reported to ensure less postoperative morbidity, more rapid recovery of strength, with earlier return to work, reduced disability time and a better cosmetic result. The authors present a surgical series of 200 hands in 164 patients (36 bilaterals) with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, who underwent a single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release (Agee technique), with regards to the clinical outcome and complications occurred after 4-months follow-up.     

Trigger wrist due to idiopathic synovial hypertrophy

The phenomenon of "trigger wrist" has been reported several times since 1961, when it was first described (Eifel, 1961). Most of these cases related to patients suffering from "triggering" at the wrist associated with carpal tunnel compression. Below is a hitherto undescribed case of trigger wrist occurring in a fit girl, without carpal tunnel syndrome, due to idiopathic synovial hypertrophy.     

Synovial histology in carpal tunnel syndrome

This study investigates the relationship between idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and tenosynovial histology, specifically inflammation. Tenosynovial biopsy specimens from 177 wrists were obtained from patients at carpal tunnel release, and a control group of 19 specimens was also obtained. Inflammation was present in only 10% of the patient specimens and was correlated with only one of the clinical and histologic factors studied, i.e., nerve conduction impairment. Edema, observed frequently (85%), was not correlated with inflammation. Vascular sclerosis was also found consistently (98%) and was correlated with patient age and degree of edema. Edema and vascular sclerosis occurred with significantly greater frequency and severity in the specimens of patients than in the control group. Fibrosis (3%) and synovial hyperplasia (1%) were uncommon findings. It is concluded that tenosynovitis is uncommon in patients undergoing surgery for treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.     

Which Outcome Measure is the Best? Evaluating Responsiveness of the Disabilities of the Arm,Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire,the Michigan Hand Questionnaire and the Patient-Specific Functional Scale Following Hand and Wrist Surgery

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the responsiveness of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ), and the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain, finger contracture, or tumor. Eighty-one subjects prospectively completed each questionnaire shortly before and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Newman–Keuls multiple comparison tests. Responsiveness to clinical change was calculated using standardized response means. The DASH was responsive for those with carpal tunnel syndrome (0.77), wrist pain (0.61), and tumor (0.55); the MHQ was responsive for those with carpal tunnel syndrome (1.04), wrist pain (0.87), and finger contracture (0.62); and the PSFS was responsive for those with carpal tunnel syndrome (0.65) and finger contracture (0.64). The interval during which the highest responsiveness occurred for the carpal tunnel, wrist pain, and finger contracture groups was the preoperative to 6-month period. The tumor group experienced the highest responsiveness during the preoperative to 3-month period. Our results indicate that one or more of the instruments evaluated are suitable for outcomes research related to surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain, finger contracture, and tumor.     

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。     

Carpal tunnel syndrome: a question of hand and wrist configurations?

This study investigated whether there is an association between hand and wrist configurations and the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome. The external hand and wrist dimensions of 50 subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome and 50 healthy volunteers were measured and compared. In addition carpal tunnel depth and width were determined with ultrasound. Our results showed that the hand length was significantly higher in the control group (hand length, 19.0; SD, 1.0 cm: patients' hand length, 18.2; SD, 1.1cm) and the palm width was significantly greater in the patients' group (palm width, 9.1; SD, 0.7 cm: controls palm width, 8.6; SD, 0.6 cm). Carpal tunnel syndrome patients had a squarer wrist (wrist ratio, 0.72; SD, 0.1) and carpal tunnel (carpal tunnel ratio, 0.48; SD, 0.1) than the controls (wrist ratio, 0.68; SD, 0.1; carpal tunnel ratio, 0.42; SD, 0.1). These findings indicate that the anatomy of the hand, wrist and carpal tunnel may predispose to carpal tunnel syndrome.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome in paraplegic patients

Thirty-eight (49 per cent) of seventy-seven paraplegic patients whose level of injury was at or caudad to the second thoracic vertebra were found to have signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was found to increase with the length of time after the injury. In the eighteen patients in whom manometric studies were done, the carpal tunnel pressures when the wrist was in the neutral position were higher than those that have been reported in non-paraplegic patients who did not have carpal tunnel syndrome but were lower than the values in non-paraplegic patients who did have the syndrome. When the wrist was in flexion, the pressures were similar to the values that have been reported for non-paraplegic patients. However, in the paraplegic patients, regardless of whether or not they had carpal tunnel syndrome, the pressures that developed when the wrist was in extension were significantly higher than those in non-paraplegic patients, regardless of whether or not they had carpal tunnel syndrome. Most of the activities of daily living of paraplegic patients, including the maneuver to relieve ischial pressure that consists of arising from the seated position using the extended arms, are performed with the wrists locked in maximum extension. The pressure that develops in the carpal canal during this forced extension of the wrist, probably combined with the repetitive trauma to the volar aspect of the extended wrist while propelling a wheelchair, contributes to the high frequency with which carpal tunnel syndrome is found in paraplegic patients.     

内窥镜下腕管松解术的应用解剖及临床应用

目的 从解剖及临床方面报告内窥境下腕管松解术的解剖人路及手术方法,旨在提高手术疗效、减少手术并发症。方法 以１８侧新鲜成人上肢标本及２６侧福尔马林液固定的成人上肢标本为对象,观察在内窥镜下碗管松解术入路的解剖结构,观察、测量及定周围相关组织结构。临床应用１９例２１侧,镜视下切断腕横韧带,手术在局麻、无止血带下进行。结果观测屈肌支持带、正中神经圾其分支和掌浅弓等结构。手术入口为腕横纹近端２～３ｃｍ、     

Stress carpal tunnel pressures in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and normal patients

Twenty-two patients with carpal tunnel syndrome scheduled to have a carpal tunnel release, and six volunteer control subjects had carpal tunnel pressures measured with their wrist in neutral position, maximum flexion, and maximum extension. The wrist was then repetitively flexed and extended to maximum position at a rate of 30 full cycles per minute for 1 minute. Pressures were then continually monitored and recorded at 30-second intervals. The pressures were found to be significantly elevated in the immediate post-exercise period in the patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, and they demonstrated a prolonged recovery time to reach the resting pressure when compared with the normal control subjects. This property of prolonged recovery time in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome suggests a possible cause for carpal tunnel syndrome in the occupational setting.     

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.     

Magnetic resonance neurography studies of the median nerve before and after carpal tunnel decompression

OBJECT: Recently developed novel MR protocols called MR neurography, which feature conspicuity for nerve, have been shown to demonstrate signal change and altered median nerve configuration in patients with median nerve compression. The postoperative course following median nerve decompression can be problematic, with persistent symptoms and abnormal results on electrophysiological studies for some months, despite successful surgical decompression. The authors undertook a prospective study in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, correlating the clinical, electrophysiological, and MR neurography findings before and 3 months after surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients and eight control volunteers were recruited to the study. The MR neurography consisted of axial and sagittal images (TR = 2000 msec, TE = 60 msec) obtained using a temporomandibular surface coil, fat saturation, and flow suppression. Maximum intensity projection images were used to follow the median nerve through the carpal tunnel in the sagittal plane. Magnetic resonance neurography in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome demonstrated proximal swelling (p < 0.001) and high signal change in the nerve, together with increased flattening ratios (p < 0.001) and loss of nerve signal in the distal carpal tunnel (p < 0.05). Sagittal images were very effective in precisely demonstrating the site and severity of nerve compression. After surgery, division of the flexor retinaculum could be demonstrated in all cases. Changes in nerve configuration, including increased cross-sectional area, and reduced flattening ratios (p < 0.001) were seen in all patients. In many cases restoration of the T. signal intensity toward that of controls was seen in the median nerve in the distal carpal tunnel. Sagittal images were excellent in demonstrating expansion of the nerve at the site of surgical decompression. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the authors suggest that MR neurography is an effective means of both confirming compression of the median nerve and its successful surgical decompression in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. This modality may prove useful in the assessment of unconfirmed or complex cases of carpal tunnel syndrome both before and after surgery.     

Neuropraxia of the palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve during carpal tunnel decompression

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most commonly encountered conditions in the hand clinic and carpal tunnel decompression is the most frequently performed procedure in hand surgery. It is an effective procedure for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, there is a high risk of complications that can be avoided with an understanding of wrist anatomy, appropriate planning and execution. We highlight one such complication, a case of neuropraxia of the palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve that followed carpal tunnel decompression.     

高频超声在腕管综合征早期诊断中的应用

目的研究高频超声检查对腕管综合征的早期诊断价值。方法对21例经临床检查诊断为早期腕管综合征的患者进行术前高频超声检查、肌电生理检查、X线检查及术中探查,并将上述结果进行比对。正中神经的高频超声检查结果与文献报道的正常声像特点比较。结果高频超声检查在腕管综合征诊断中的阳性率为94．7％,假阴性率为5．2％。肌电生理检查在腕管综合征诊断中的阳性率为76．2％,假阴性率为23．8％。结论高频超声检查可显示腕部被卡压的正中神经形态,对早期诊断腕管综合征有帮助。     

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.     

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the wrist

Reports of tuberculous infections of the wrist have been scarce, especially during the past 30 years. The diagnosis of tuberculosis may be difficult and requires a high index of suspicion, especially in patients with significant risk factors. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as untreated wrist infections can have disastrous outcomes. This article describes the clinical presentation and management of an atypical case of tuberculosis of the wrist--a case of extensive carpal destruction without tenosynovial involvement. Quiescent tuberculosis seemed to reactivate after an episode of minor trauma.     

A randomized prospective study to assess the efficacy of two cold-therapy treatments following carpal tunnel release.

A prospective randomized study was performed comparing the efficacy of controlled cold therapy (CCT) with the efficacy of ice therapy in the postoperative treatment of 72 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Immediately after surgery, patients applied either a temperature-controlled cooling blanket (CCT) or a standard ice pack over their surgical dressings. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale and swelling by wrist circumference preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and on postoperative day 3. Patients kept log books of daily treatment times. Narcotic use (of Vicodin ES) was determined by pill count at day 3 and by daily log book recordings. Patients who used CCT showed significantly greater reduction in pain, edema (wrist circumference), and narcotic use at postoperative day 3 than did those using ice therapy. This study indicates that after carpal tunnel surgery, the use of CCT, compared with traditional ice therapy, provides patients with greater comfort and lessens the need for narcotics.