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Acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments of symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may improve symptoms and aid nerve repair as well as improve sensory and motor functions. However, limited evidence is available regarding the effects of these treatments based on comprehensive evaluation methods. This research completed the treatment and evaluation of 26 patients with confirmed CTS. Participants were divided into two treatment groups based on a modified neurophysiological grading scale. Of the total number of participants, 15 received acupuncture and 11 received electroacupuncture on both upper limbs. Acupoints were PC-7 (Daling) and PC-6 (Neiguan) along the pericardial meridian compatible with the median nerve tract. The treatment program consisted of 24 sessions of 15 min duration over 6 weeks. After electroacupuncture treatments, symptom severity was evaluated using the short clinical questionnaire by Lo and Chiang, which indicated improvements in the respective symptom severity score. After the acupuncture treatment, grip strength in the major symptomatic side in CTS patients could be significantly increased. Electrophysiology evaluation likewise indicated a significant increase in the distal median motor amplitude of the palm-wrist segment. In addition, Tinel's sign significantly decreased in the major symptomatic side. Our findings indicated that electroacupuncture could improve symptomatology, while acupuncture could exert positive therapeutic effects for CTS patients, as evidenced by improved symptomatology, grip strength, electrophysiological function, and physical provocation sign.

Endoscopic release has been shown to be a safe and effective means of carpal tunnel decompression. The surgeon needs to be aware of the variations in the anatomy of the median nerve in order to minimise the risk of nerve injury. In this series of 748 endoscopic carpal tunnel releases, six were found to have variations in the median nerve anatomy, in two patients conversion to open release was necessary.

Lipomas are space-occupying lesions that may rarely be responsible for compression neuropathies. Here we report a case of a lipoma arising from flexor tenosynovium that was responsible for a sensory disturbance resulting from the compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The patient had complete relief from the neurologic symptoms six months after lipoma excision.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is still today the most common nerve entrapment syndrome at the level of the upper extremity. When surgery is indicated, the surgical treatment of choice is the opening of the retinaculum. The authors describe their experience on 12,702 carpal tunnel decompressions, by the endoscopic procedure in a period of 14 years, outlining the indications, post-operative treatment, complications and results.

We present a rare case of entrapment of the median nerve between sublimis tendons after fractures of the distal radius and ulna in an 80-year-old woman. The entrapped median nerve was elongated redundantly with two regions of constriction. To our knowledge, no case of median nerve palsy caused by such a factor has been previously reported.

Many authors have reported various clinical provocation tests for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, however, some tests cannot be administered correctly on patients who suffer from restricted wrist joint movement. We compiled positive rates from a new diagnostic provocation test (Okutsu test) carried out on 3474 hands, and compared them and their success rates with results from other provocation tests performed on these same hands. The Okutsu test positive rate was 72.4%. There were statistical differences between Phalen test (69.8%) and wrist-extension test (60.2%) results. The Okutsu test success rate was 99.9% and there were statistical differences between Phalen test (52.8%) and wrist-extension test (56.8%) results. There were no statistical differences between percussion test at the wrist results in positive rate (71.1%) and in success rate (99.7%). The Okutsu test positive rate is high and it serves as a reliable screening test for clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

A case of ossified median nerve schwannoma in the left arm, first noticed about 40 years ago is examined. Although calcification of old schwannoma is sometimes seen, new bone formation in a schwannoma is extremely rare. Since there was a strong adhesion between the tumour and the median nerve in this case, the tumour could not be enucleated easily. The tumour was excised under a surgical microscopy without any neurological deficit.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) exists in a spectrum of severity and symptoms with a dynamic component. We aim to study dynamic nerve-tendon interrelationships in normal and mild CTS wrists during a fist motion, with dynamic ultrasound. We observed that in normal wrists, the nerve arcs in an ulnar-volar direction and changes from a circular shape to a flat oval during motion. In CTS candidates, however, the curvature and distance of the nerve's path are reduced, while nerve shape remains relatively constant. In all candidates, the nerve is compressed against the flexor retinaculum, with the nerve subject to less compression in normal candidates as it moves dorsally into a recess. These findings suggest that besides mechanical compression from increased carpal tunnel contents alone, a decrease in nerve gliding movement may lead to CTS symptomatology. Furthermore, we identified that maximum nerve deformation occurs mid-motion, supporting the use of wrist splints for symptom relief.

To compare the median nerve deformation indices between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients and controls, 60 wrists of asymptomatic volunteers and 40 wrists of idiopathic CTS patients were evaluated by ultrasound. CTS was diagnosed through clinical findings and nerve conduction studies. Deformation indices, which were determined by the ratios of the nerve cross-sectional area, perimeter, aspect ratio, and circularity in finger extension and flexion positions, were measured. The deformation indices were compared between patients and controls. The correlation coefficients between distal motor latency and deformation indices were measured in CTS patients. There were significant differences between patients and controls in the deformation indices of perimeter, aspect ratio, and circularity. There was a mild correlation between distal latency and deformation indices of the perimeter and circularity (correlation coefficient 0.315 and 0.342). The deformation indices of perimeter and circularity might be useful to identify the nerve conduction severity of CTS.

This paper examines a case of extraskeletal chondroma in the hand of an 82-year-old female, first noticed about two years ago. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass in the carpal tunnel which extended from the wrist to the palm. The tumor was located between the thenar area and the hypothenar area at the palm level. There was no continuity to the carpal bone or radius bone. The entire size of the tumor was 120 mm × 45 mm × 42 mm. Although extraskeletal chondroma is sometimes seen, a large one in the hand is extremely rare. Since the tumor was too large to excise totally because median nerve entrapped it, it was divided into two parts and excised. After the operation, there was no neurological deficit or pain in the median nerve lesion.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition; however, it has not been previously reported in patients with hemihypertrophy. A 67-year-old woman with left-sided hemihypertrophy presented with carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand. Magnetic resonance imaging showed enlargement of the median nerve proximal to the transverse carpal ligament. Carpal tunnel decompression was performed, and pain was immediately relieved by decompression of the carpal tunnel. At the six-month follow-up examination, the patient experienced relief from numbness and improvement in thenar muscle atrophy was noted.

Background: To document the course of the median nerve in the distal forearm in palmaris longus (PL) deficient forearms and elucidate features that help distinguish it from the PL.

Methods: In the cadaveric study, 56 cadaveric forearms were dissected and the location and course of the median nerve were documented. In the clinical study, 20 healthy subjects with absent PL were examined with provocative tests to elucidate the PL (Schaeffer’s test and Thompson’s test), and modified Durkan’s and Phalen’s tests. In the imaging study, one subject with a clearly visible and palpable median nerve was further evaluated with MRI with a superficial fiducial marker.

Results: Cadaveric dissection revealed that the median nerve was deep to the antebrachial fascia and superficial to the FDS tendons in the distal forearm. In 9 specimens without a PL, the median nerve was the most superficial structure deep and lay draped over the FDS tendons. In the clinical study, PL absence was bilateral in 4 subjects and unilateral in 16. The nerve was visible and palpable in 4 forearms and palpable but not visible in 20 forearms. In all 24 forearms, the nerve was palpable as a lax, mobile, cord-like structure that could be rolled over the taut FDS tendons. Tinel’s and Durkan’s signs were positive in 11 subjects. In the imaging study, MRI confirmed that the palpable structure was the median nerve.

Conclusions: Unlike the PL, the nerve is non-contractile and remains flaccid on provocative testing. It is usually palpable and may also be visible in thin forearms. Careful scrutiny may reveal it to be distinct from, and draped over underlying FDS tendons. These findings may help avoid inadvertent median nerve harvest in place of a PL tendon graft.

The persistent median artery can be a rare cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. We present an anatomic variant of this artery. A 47-year-old female patient with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was found to have bilateral patent, functional persistent median arteries (PMA) upon operative exploration. Unlike previous reports, the PMAs were not located dorsal to the flexor retinaculum (FR). Rather, the PMAs were interposed between the palmar aponeurosis and the FR. Accompanied by two venae comitantes, the aberrant arteries were positioned directly in line with our carpal tunnel incisions on both hands. Although rare, it is important for the surgeon to be aware of this anatomic variant to prevent inadvertent injury to what may be an important vascular supply to the distal median nerve.

Background: Although different types of neural mobilization (NM) exercises induce different amounts of longitudinal nerve excursion and strain, the question whether the increased longitudinal stress and nerve excursion from sliding or tensioning intervention may subtly affect the neural functions has not been answered yet.

Objective: To compare the effects of tensioning NM versus sliding NM of the median nerve on peripheral and autonomic nervous system function.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 90 participants were randomly assigned to tensioning NM, sliding NM, or sham NM. The neurophysiological outcome measures included peak-to-peak amplitude of the dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential (DSSEP) for dermatomes C6, C7, C8, and T1. Secondary outcome measures included amplitude and latency of skin sympathetic response. All outcome measures were assessed pretreatment, immediately after the two weeks of treatment and one week after the last session of the treatment.

Results: A 2-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences between the three groups. The post hoc analysis indicated that tensioning NM significantly decreased the dermatomal amplitude for C6, C7, C8, and T1 ($p<0.005$). Sympathetic skin responses in the gliding NM group showed lower amplitudes and prolonged latencies post-treatment when compared to tensioning NM group ($p<0.05$). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the DSSEPs and skin sympathetic responses for participants in the sham treatment group ($p>0.05$).

Conclusions: A tensioning NM on the median nerve had a possible adverse effect on the neurophysiology variables of the nerves involved in the neural mobilization. Thus, tensioning NM with the current parameters that place increased stress and strain on the peripheral nervous system should be avoided.

Background: We consistently observed the presence of anechoic spaces on standard ultrasonographic imaging of the carpal tunnel inlet in normal subjects. These spaces change in size during finger flexion and have not been characterized in a large sample of normal individuals. Ultrasonographic quantification of these spaces may indicate the available space in the region of the carpal tunnel, which allows the normal motion of tendons and the median nerve.

Methods: Transverse ultrasonographic images of the carpal tunnel inlet from 33 asymptomatic volunteers were obtained at Position A (fingers in extension) and B (fingers in flexion). Cross-sectional area (CSA), perimeter and position of anechoic space relative to median nerve were recorded.

Results: Analysis showed a 75.4% prevalence rate of a single anechoic space. Two discrete patterns were observed. 89.1% had a decrease in CSA and perimeter of anechoic space from Position A to B while 10.9% exhibited an increase. Mean position of the anechoic space is ulnar (7.49 ± 3.57 mm) and dorsal (2.18 ± 1.28 mm) to the median nerve.

Conclusions: A consistent anechoic space at the carpal tunnel inlet is seen in 75.4% of normal hands and can be quantified (cross sectional area 11.75 ± 7.36 mm²). It allows for the accommodation of flexor tendons during finger flexion.

Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a rare condition of the peripheral nerves that typically affects the median nerve. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of LFH of both, the median and ulnar nerves, at the wrist of a 63-year-old female patient. The patient presented to our hospital with a 40-year history of pain, numbness, and dysesthesia affecting all fingers of her left hand. Atrophy of the thenar muscles and the first dorsal interosseous was observed upon physical examination. Imaging studies and a surgery revealed that the patient's median and ulnar nerves were significantly enlarged, confirming the LFH diagnosis. The patient's dysesthesia and numbness improved after Carpal tunnel and Guyon canal release, and her pinch ability improved after opponensplasty. LFH has been known to be solitary, typically affecting median nerve, but it must be noted that the tumor may affect multiple nerves like in our case.

We report a case of intraneural synovial sarcoma of the median nerve in a 39 year old lady with multiple local recurrences over thirteen years with no distant metastasis. The diagnosis of biphasic type of synovial sarcoma was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. At the time of the fourth recurrence below elbow amputation was performed. This case is being reported for its rarity and propensity for local recurrence without distant metastasis.

Background: In combined high median and ulnar nerve injury, transfer of the posterior interosseous nerve branches to the motor branch of the ulnar nerve (MUN) is previously described in order to restore intrinsic hand function. In this operation a segment of sural nerve graft is required to close the gap between the donor and recipient nerves. However the thenar muscles are not innervated by this nerve transfer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the superficial radial nerve (SRN) can be used as an “in situ vascular nerve graft” to connect the donor nerves to the MUN and the motor branch of median nerve (MMN) at the same time in order to address all denervated intrinsic and thenar muscles.

Methods: Twenty fresh male cadavers were dissected in order to evaluate the feasibility of this modification of technique. The size of nerve branches, the number of axons and the tension at repair site were evaluated.

Results: This nerve transfer was technically feasible in all specimens. There was no significant size mismatch between the donor and recipient nerves

Conclusions: The possible advantages of this modification include innervation of both median and ulnar nerve innervated intrinsic muscles, preservation of vascularity of the nerve graft which might accelerate the nerve regeneration, avoidance of leg incision and therefore the possibility of performing surgery under regional instead of general anesthesia. Briefly, this novel technique is a viable option which can be used instead of conventional nerve graft in some brachial plexus or combined high median and ulnar nerve injuries when restoration of intrinsic hand function by transfer of posterior interosseous nerve branches is attempted.

In severe carpal tunnel syndrome a continuum of neural changes takes place depending on the degree and duration of the compression, beginning with breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier, followed by endoneurial oedema and, subsequently, perineurial thickening and ischemia. Persisting chronic compression will eventually result in axonal degeneration. We report a case of longstanding carpal tunnel syndrome with amyloid deposits and the unusual intraoperative ‘Austrian flag’ sign.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for median nerve dysfunctions after volar locking plate (VLP) fixation for distal radius fracture (DRF).

Methods: We prospectively assessed the incidence of median nerve symptoms (MNS) such as numbness, pain, paresthesia, or hypesthesia in the area innervated by the median nerve and evaluated post-operative nerve conduction (NC) in 91 hands of 121 patients after VLP fixation for DRF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with MNS and abnormal NC in the injured wrist.

Results: There were 18 cases (20%) of MNS on the injured side, 9 hands (10%) of both MNS and abnormal NC, 11 hands (12%) with only abnormal NC, and 9 hands with only MNS. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of abnormal NC for diagnosing MNS were 50%, 86%, and 78%, respectively. Four cases did not respond to conservative treatment and received carpal tunnel release concomitantly with plate removal. Logistic regression examination revealed that volar placement of the plate and short stature were significant independent predictors of MNS, while patient age was the sole independent predictor of abnormal NC.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that plate prominence, short stature, and age were significant independent risk factors for median nerve dysfunctions after VLP fixation for DRF.