Revision Surgery after Carpal Tunnel Release –Analysis of the Pathology in 200 Cases during a 2 Year Period

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. STÜTZ ◽  
A. GOHRITZ ◽  
J. VAN SCHOONHOVEN ◽  
U. LANZ

Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is regarded as a common and successful operative procedure in hand surgery. However, an increasing number of patients with complications have been referred to our hospital. This retrospective investigation was undertaken to clarify the reasons for persisting or recurrent symptoms in 200 patients who underwent secondary exploration during a 26 month period at a single institution. In 108 cases, the flexor retinaculum was found to have been released incompletely. In 12 patients, a nerve laceration had occurred during the primary intervention. In 46 patients, symptoms were due to the nerve being tethered in scar tissue. The re-exploration revealed circumferential fibrosis around and within the median nerve in 17 patients and a tumour in the carpal tunnel in four patients. In 13 patients, no specific reason was found for recurrence of symptoms. We conclude that CTR seems to be a widely underestimated procedure and revision surgery could be largely avoided by reducing technical errors during the primary operation.

2019 ◽  
pp. 989-994
Author(s):  
Antony Hazel ◽  
Neil F. Jones

Conventional open carpal tunnel release surgery is one of most successful procedures in hand surgery and has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, a known sequelae in some individuals who undergo the procedure is “pillar” pain. In an effort to avoid this condition and help people return to work more quickly, the endoscopic technique was developed. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release offers a minimally invasive alternative to other traditional techniques with similar outcomes. By placing the incision proximal to the transverse carpal ligament there is potential for decreased scar sensitivity and pillar pain. The technique is technically demanding. The superficial palmar arch and common digital nerve to the ring and middle fingers are at risk for injury during the procedure. With adherence to anatomical landmarks and the proper visualization, the surgery may be safely performed.


1985 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
S EASON ◽  
R BELSOLE ◽  
T GREENE

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (10) ◽  
pp. 1009-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie E Donachy ◽  
Emily L Christian

Abstract Background and Purpose. This case report describes the physical therapy examination, intervention, and outcomes for a patient with lymphedema following breast cancer treatment who underwent carpal tunnel release. Case Description. The patient was a 53-year-old woman with right upper-limb lymphedema and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in her right hand who underwent a carpal tunnel release. Management of her lymphedema included the use of general anesthesia with reduced tourniquet time in conjunction with physical therapy, which included use of compression bandaging, limb positioning, and exercise. Outcomes. Following surgical release, the patient' s numbness and pain were alleviated. Right-hand grip strength increased following active exercise. Girth of the forearm decreased 1 to 1.5 cm at the 2 most distal measurement sites, and girth of the arm increased 1.5 to 2 cm 6 months after surgery. Discussion. This case supports the option of elective hand surgery for CTS in an individual with chronic lymphedema.


2009 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Koh ◽  
F. Moate ◽  
D. Grinsell

This study highlights the benefits of carpal tunnel release (CTR) in four patients presenting with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after hand surgery who also had carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosed clinically and by nerve conduction studies. Three of the patients underwent pre- and postoperative volumetric, circumference, grip strength and range of motion measurements. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) functional outcome measure and pain scores were also used. There was almost complete resolution of CRPS symptoms in all four patients, with notable reductions in oedema and improvements in grip strength and range of motion. There were also improvements in DASH outcome scores and pain scores after CTR.


Hand ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 466-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishant Ganesh Kumar ◽  
Nicholas Hricz ◽  
Brian C. Drolet

Background: Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is the most common hand surgery operation performed in the United States. While serious complications are rare, they can be life-altering to patients. In some cases, patients will pursue malpractice claims against the surgeon. This study aimed to understand the patient, procedure, and surgeon factors involved in CTR malpractice litigation. Methods: The Westlaw legal database was queried for all recorded CTR malpractice cases resulting in jury verdicts and settlements. Only cases directly related to injury after CTR were included in this study. Cases were reviewed to determine plaintiff demographics, defendant training, liability, injury, outcomes, and monetary awards. Results: Ninety-two unique cases were identified. Plaintiffs were predominantly female (n = 65, 71%). Most surgeons were orthopedic-trained (n = 37, 52%). Only 27% of defendants (n = 19) were hand fellowship-trained. Only 19% of cases resulting in a monetary award were against surgeons who had hand fellowship training. The majority of cases (n = 61, 66%) were found in favor of the defendant. Monetary awards averaged $305 923 (range = $12 000-1 338 147), while settlements averaged $266 250. Alleged liability was most for surgeon negligence (n = 69, 75%) with a third of cases resulting in monetary awards. Median nerve injury was claimed in 41 cases (45%), with 17 (41%) resulting in monetary awards. Conclusion: Although CTR is generally safe and effective, some patients will experience complications. Median nerve injury was the most common reason for successful litigation in this study. Adequate training and experience in hand surgery may lower the risk of injuries resulting in successful malpractice suits.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 735-742
Author(s):  
Abdus S. Burahee ◽  
Andrew D. Sanders ◽  
Dominic M. Power

Cubital tunnel decompression is a commonly performed operation with a much higher failure rate than carpal tunnel release. Failed cubital tunnel release generally occurs due to an inadequate decompression in the primary procedure, new symptoms due to an iatrogenic cause, or development of new areas of nerve irritation. Our preferred technique for failed release is revision circumferential neurolysis with medial epicondylectomy, as this eliminates strain, removes the risk of subluxation, and avoids the creation of secondary compression points. Adjuvant techniques including supercharging end-to-side nerve transfer and nerve wrapping show promise in improving the results of revision surgery. Limited quality research exists in this subject, compounded by the lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria, classification, and outcome assessment. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:735-742. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200135


PM&R ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. S133-S133
Author(s):  
Faguna Patel ◽  
Qiang G. Fang ◽  
John M. Ventrudo

Hand ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven R. Niedermeier ◽  
Robert J. Pettit ◽  
Travis L. Frantz ◽  
Kara Colvell ◽  
Hisham M. Awan

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive neuropathy of the upper extremity. We sought to assess the subjective improvement in preoperative symptoms related to CTS, particularly those affecting sleep, and describe opioid consumption postoperatively. Methods: All patients undergoing primary carpal tunnel release (CTR) for electromyographically proven CTS were studied prospectively. All procedures were performed by hand surgery fellowship–trained adult orthopedic and plastic surgeons in the outpatient setting. Patients underwent either endoscopic or open CTR from June 2017 to December 2017. Outcomes assessed were pre- and postoperative Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), visual analog scale (VAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores as well as postoperative pain control. Results: Sixty-one patients were enrolled. At 2 weeks, all showed significant ( P < .05) improvement in QuickDASH scores. At 6 weeks, 40 patients were available for follow-up. When compared with preoperative scores, QuickDASH (51 vs 24.5; P < .05), VAS (6.7 vs 2.9; P < .05), and PSQI (10.4 vs 6.4; P < .05) scores continued to improve when compared with preoperative scores. At 2-week follow-up, 39 patients responded to the question, “How soon after your carpal tunnel surgery did you notice an improvement in your sleep?” Seventeen patients (43.6%) reported they had improvement in sleep within 24 hours, 12 patients (30.8%) reported improvement between 2 and 3 days postoperatively, 8 patients (20.5%) reported improvement between 4 and 5 days postoperatively, and 2 patients (5.1%) reported improvement between 6 and 7 days postoperatively. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates rapid and sustained improvement in sleep quality and function following CTR.


2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. HOBBY ◽  
J. J. DIAS

This study reviews hand surgical activity and the resources available for provision of hand surgery in England in 2001. Operation rates for three common procedures, viz. carpal tunnel release, Dupuytren’s surgery and ganglion surgery, were considered. The local population and the number of hand surgeons in each NHS Hospital Trust were compared. We identified 275 consultant surgeons with an interest in hand surgery working in the NHS in England. Approximately two-thirds were orthopaedic surgeons, almost one-third were plastic surgeons and a small number were accident and emergency surgeons. Half of all hand surgeons worked in large units, with three or more hand surgeons, but almost 20% of hand surgery was delivered in hospitals in which there was no surgeon with a declared interest in hand surgery. Surgery rates for Dupuytren’s contracture varied from 0.04 to 0.36 cases per 1,000 population per annum and for carpal tunnel syndrome varied from 0.25 to 1.31 cases per 1,000 per annum. We found a correlation between rates of surgery and the number of hand surgeons, locally. A recent audit ( Burke, Dias, Heras-Pelou, Bradley, & Wildin, 2004 . Providing care for hand disorders, a reappraisal of need. Journal of Hand Surgery, 29B: 575–579.) has suggested that one hand surgeon is required to meet the needs of a population of 125,000, with a national requirement for 393 hand surgeons. We conclude that there are insufficient hand surgeons in England and believe that the wide local variations in hand surgery rates are indicative of a significant unmet demand for hand surgery in the English population.


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