A modified approach to endoscopic carpal tunnel release has been developed and tested in 60 cadaveric specimens by three surgeons using the Agee endoscopic carpal tunnel release system. The modified approach, which includes specific localization of the hook of the hamate, flexor retinaculum, and the superficial palmar arch utilizing topographical landmarks, avoids entry into Guyon's canal and i...

OBJECTIVE To determine the individual, physical, and psychosocial risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome in a general population. METHODS Population based case-control study in Marshfield epidemiological study area in Wisconsin, USA. Cases were men and women aged 18-69 with newly diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 206 (83.1%) of 248 eligible). Controls were a random sample of residents of...

PURPOSE This study evaluated functional outcomes and safety after endoscopic and open bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome release in opposite hands of the same patients through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial data. MATERIALS AND METHODS Randomized controlled trials involving both methods in opposite hands of patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were identified via a syst...

PURPOSE To determine the rate of postoperative wound infection and the association with prophylactic antibiotic use in uncomplicated carpal tunnel release surgery. METHODS We performed a multicenter, retrospective review of all the carpal tunnel release procedures performed between January 1, 2005, and August 30, 2007. Data reviewed included the use of prophylactic antibiotics, diabetic statu...

OBJECTIVES The aim of study was to assess the usefulness of 3D ultrasonography (3DUS) in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS Fifty patients with carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by electromyography and 37 healthy control participants underwent 3DUS of the wrists. The mean times per participant for the 3DUS examination and review of the 3D volume set were recorded. The cross-secti...

Diagnosis The classic history is of the patient who begins his or her symptoms by awakening at night with numbness and pain in the median nerve distribution of his or her hand(s). This progresses to daytime symptoms that are often aggravated by activities.1,2 The occurrence of “dropping objects” in carpal tunnel syndrome patients is an index of elevated disease severity.3 Carpal tunnel symptoms...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most well-known and frequent form of median nerve entrapment, and accounts for 90% of all entrapment neuropathies. Entrapment neuropathies of the ulnar nerve are relatively common with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow more prevalent than ulnar neuropathy at the wrist. The diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is usually confirmed in a relatively straight – ...

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 es...

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess the efficacy of polarized polychromatic noncoherent light (Bioptron light) in the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. BACKGROUND Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression neuropathy, but no satisfactory conservative treatment is available at present. METHOD An uncontrolled experimental study was conducted in patients who visited our cl...

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity are common reasons for patients to seek care and undergo ambulatory surgery. The objective of our study was to assess the overall and age-adjusted utilization rates of rotator cuff repair, shoulder arthroscopy performed for indications other than rotator cuff repair, carpal tunnel release, and wrist arthroscopy performed for indication...