Subsequent bilateral acute carpal tunnel syndrome due to tophaceous infiltration:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute carpal tunnel syndrome(ACTS)is commonly caused by repetitive strain,trauma,or inflammatory conditions.However,ACTS due to tophaceous gout is a clinical event that remains poorly understood and underreported.This rare manifestation necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible complications.CASE SUMMARY A 51-year-old man who had poorly controlled hyperuricemia presented with ACTS secondary to tophaceous gout.Because of rapid symptom progression symptoms and severe median nerve compression within 3 mo,the patient underwent emergency decompression surgery for both wrists at different time points.Postoperatively,he exhibited complete recovery of sensory and motor functions,with no recurrence at long-term follow-up.Favorable outcomes were achieved through immediate decompression surgery,anti-inflammatory medications,postoperative active and passive range-of-motion exercises,and intermittent wrist splinting.Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention,when necessary,are crucial for preventing long-term complications and obtaining favorable outcomes in patients with ACTS.An optimal gout management strategy involving pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle modifications may help minimize ACTS recurrence and improve clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION Prompt surgical intervention and optimal gout management are crucial for preventing irreversible nerve damage and ACTS recurrence.

Effects of the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Surgery and Injections on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

Background: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and of anxiety and depression in primary care practice are high. Different studies had shown an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression in CTS patients. Nevertheless, few papers had been published studying the anxiety and depression scales in the treatment of CTS, either with corticosteroid injections (I) or with surgical decompression (S). Objective: To assess whether clinical improvement observed after the treatment of CTS either with I or with S correlates with an improvement in the punctuations of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales (HADS), at 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Methods: Randomized and open-label clinical trial, comparing I and S. Patients with symptoms suggestive of CTS (nocturnal paraesthesias) of at least 3 months duration and neurophysiological confirmation were included. Patients with clinically apparent motor impairment were excluded. The subjective evaluation of symptoms was carried out using the visual-analogue scale of pain (VAS-p). Clinical reviews were performed 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Each patient completed the HADS questionnaire and a VAS-p at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical significance was established using the Student’s t test and the Mann-Whitney U test when necessary. A linear regression analysis was used to know the effect of the treatment adjusted for the initial score of both scales. Results: 65 patients were included (30 in group I and 35 in group S). There was no statistical difference between both groups in terms of age, gender distribution, disease duration, VAS-p, neurophysiological testing severity of CTS or the 8 subscales of HADS. Both groups improved significantly in relation to the baseline VAS-p values, in the reviews at 3, 6 and 12 months, with no significant differences between I and S. At 6 months, the reduction in the anxiety scale was around 3 points for both treatments (S = 3.6 and I = 3.2), without reaching significant differences. At 12 months, it was somewhat higher for those treated with I, but always around 3 points and without significant differences. The Depression scale score was slightly reduced at 6 months, and in a similar way for both groups (I = 1 and S = 1.19;p = 0.8). After 12 months, group I doubled the previous reduction, with group S experiencing a very slight change (I = 1.96 and S = 1.03;p = 0.3). When analysing the effect of group S on group I, the result was a reduction of 0.25 points for Anxiety (p = 0.7) and of 0.02 points for Depression (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Treatment of CTS with I or S results in a similar and discrete improvement in Anxiety scores on the HADS scale at 6 and 12 months. For both types of treatment, the Depression scores barely changed at 6 months, being somewhat higher in group I after 12-month follow-up. The independent effect of the S on both scales is small and not significant.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome: A Link with Vitamin D, Body Mass Index and Hyperlipidemia

Introduction: Carbai tunnel syndrome [CTS] is compression of the median nerve at the wrist , this causes tingling in the hands, pain, numbness, tingling in the fingers particularly the thumb, index and middle fingers, loss of sensation in the hands and fingers, also weakness in the hands. The aim of the present study was to study a possible association which could be found between electrophysiological data in CTS, BMI, hyperlipidemia, and vitamin D [Vit D] levels. Methods: We used a sample of 40 females of the same age group, who were divided into Group 1 as a control consists of 18 healthy females and Group II consisted of 22 age matched females with clinical and electrophysiological evidence of CTS. We measured atherogenic index [AI] as a marker of hyperlipidemia, body mass index [BMI], Vit D status and electrophysiological tests of CTS. Results: Subjects with CTS had deficient Vit D status, they had significantly high atherogenic index (AI), and significant high BMI all compared to control Group I. Median sensory conduction velocity was significantly correlated negatively with BMI and atherogenic index, and positively correlated significantly with Vit D status. But median sensory and motor action potential latency were significantly correlated positively with BMI and atherogenic index, and negatively correlated significantly with Vit D status The analysis revealed BMI, atherogenic index and Vit D status as predictors of median nerve sensory and motor action potential latency and sensory nerve conduction velocity in CTS. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that obesity and hyperlipidemia are potent CTS risk factors and declared the direct association between Vit D status and CTS occurrence. Our study supports the notion of the compensatory neuroprotective role of Vit D which could have a direct impact on the nerves integrity as it has an anti-inflammatory property which acts in relieving nervous insults and stress. .

Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and motor dysfunction caused by gout and type 2 diabetes:A case report

BACKGROUND Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS)has been associated with gout and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,due to insufficient clinical understanding of goutrelated CTS and reliance on the diagnostic importance of elevated serum uric acid levels,such cases are prone to missed diagnosis,misdiagnosis,and delayed treatment.In addition,the effect of T2DM on gout-induced carpal tunnel syndrome has not been reported.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present an unusual case of CTS and motor dysfunction caused by miliary tophaceous gout and T2DM.The patient presented to the hand and foot clinic with paresthesia of the fingers of both hands,especially at night.The patient was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a month ago.Ultrasonography revealed bilateral transverse carpal ligament thickening with median nerve compression during hospitalization.The patient was successfully treated with carpal tunnel decompression and tendon release.The postoperative pathological examination revealed typical gout nodules.This case suggests that the presence of T2DM could accelerate tophi formation and worsen CTS symptoms,although no definitive proof in this regard has been described previously.CONCLUSION Tophi formation may most likely cause the co-occurrence of CTS and flexor dysfunction in gout and incipient diabetes patients.

Screening for Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis in Patients with Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Identifying Missed Opportunities for Early Detection and Treatment

Purpose: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) has been linked to many extra-cardiac manifestations including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The aim of this study is to analyze patients with bilateral CTS to identify patients with high-risk features or “red flags” for ATTR-CA, identify if systematic screening was done for ATTR-CA and define opportunities for improved detection. Methods: Out of >5000 patients with bilateral CTS evaluated in a single tertiary care center in Southeast Michigan (2010-2016), we retrospectively studied a focused population of patients: men > 50 years and women > 60 years old with bilateral CTS and atrial fibrillation (n = 295). Baseline demographic, comorbidities, and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings were analyzed. A high-risk group suspicious for ATTR-CA was identified as patients with bilateral CTS, atrial fibrillation, and concomitant “red flags” including heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy. Results: Out of 295 patients, 51.2% were female, 75.6% were White, and 22.4% were African American. Upon comparing the high-risk group (n = 67) with the remaining study population (n = 228), both diagnosis of ATTR-CA and mortality were higher among the high-risk group (7.5% vs 0.4% and 43.3% vs 24.6%, respectively, P = 0.003). Conclusions: A substantial number of bilateral CTS patients had additional “red flags” warranting formal evaluation for ATTR-CA;however, systematic evaluation for cardiac amyloidosis was not performed in many patients. This emphasizes that Multidisciplinary collaboration is needed to create a systematic workflow and to raise awareness amongst cardiologists and other physicians for suspecting ATTR-CA in bilateral CTS patients who have additional “red flags”.

Predicting the Outcome of Nerve Conduction Studies in Patients with Suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Using an Existing Carpal Tunnel Assessment Tool

This service evaluation and pilot study was designed to establish whether a clinical questionnaire could be incorporated within our Secondary Care Carpal Tunnel Service. The purpose of the questionnaire is to predict the positive and negative results of Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) in those patients with suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The hand specialist, preceding NCS administered the questionnaire;it was then scored at a later date. Results showed a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 84% referring to the ability to predict a positive NCS when using a predetermined cut-off score. When analysed with Receiver Operating Characteristics, a threshold score could be determined in order to obtain 100% sensitivity/specificity. This questionnaire can be used as a useful adjunct to assessment of those presenting with suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Using the questionnaire to identify those patients scoring outside a predetermined threshold range would reduce the need for NCS by nearly 50%, with significant cost and clinical practice implications.

PROSPECTIVE COMPARISON OF ENDOSCOPIC AND OPEN SURGICAL METHODS FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Objective To compare outcomes of patients undergoing either open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods A prospective, randomized study was performed on 70 hands in 62 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome from April 2000 to April 2004. Either open (36 hands in 30 patients) or endoscopic (34 hands in 32 patients) carpal tunnel release was performed randomly. Symptom improvement, complications, and the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work between the two groups were assessed with average 2 years of follow-up. The electromyography was tested pre- and 3 months post-operation. Results There were no significant differences between the two surgical groups with regard to postoperative improvements of symptom, electromyography tests, and the incidence of complications. But it was statistically less in the rate of scar tenderness, the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work in the endoscopic group compared with the open group (P<0.05). Conclusions The endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a reliable method in the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. And it has the advantages of slight scar tenderness, less operation time, less in-hospital stay, early functional recovery, safety, and high satisfaction rate compared with open methods.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Diagnosis and surgical treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compressive idiopathic neuropathy, most commonly affecting the median nerve in the upper extremity. CTS have high prevalence, with up to 70% of cases in women aged between 45 and 60 years. Typical manifestations of CTS are numbness of the index and middle fingers, which also become painful and cause the patient to awaken from sleep. In the period from January 2008 to October 2011 at the Orthopedics Clinic of the University of Kosovo, surgery for decompression of the median nerve was performed for 32 patients with CTS. The patients had an average age of 49.1 years. After surgery, 81.25% of the patients experienced complete improvement, whereas partial improvements were noted in 18.75% of the patients. This treatment is easy and feasible, has high efficiency, can be performed under local anaesthesia, and confers improvements in terms of return to daily activities, with low risk of complications or relapse.

Carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis: validation of a clinic-based nerve conduction measurement device

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the commonest upper limb nerve entrapment syndrome seen in practice. In many centres, nerve conduction studies (NCS) have been adopted as a routine part of the diagnostic process. In the United Kingdom, the time taken to access diagnostic tests has been likened to a “hidden waiting list”, lengthening the time taken for a patient to access treatment. In the current healthcare climate with a centrally driven aim to reduce patient waiting time to a maximum of eighteen weeks, including tests, such waiting is even more unacceptable. Aim. This study was performed in order to evaluate a simple handheld device for quantifying median nerve lesions in CTS. Design of study: A prospective blinded cohort study. Setting: Leicester General Hospital, Carpal Tunnel Service Method: Participants were recruited from the nor-mal referral stream. If the clinical findings were consistent with a diagnosis of CTS, they were for-mally consented to the study in which results from the new handheld device were compared with traditional NCS. Final test group consisted of 63 participants. Results: For the new device the correct positive detection rate for abnormal nerve conduction was 91% (74/81 hands). Of the seven abnormal results not picked up by the new device, four were in asymptomatic hands (positive per cent agree-ment in symptomatic hands 95%). There were no false positives with the new system. (Negative per cent agreement 100%) Conclusion: We conclude that this new device demonstrates a high degree of concordance with currently available traditional NCS. The study suggested ways in which the accuracy could be further improved.

The Effect of Longitudinal Stretching of Muscles and Nerve versus Deep Transverse Friction Massage in the Management of Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Background and Purpose: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common source of hand numbness and pain. The goal of this study was to compare longitudinal stretching of muscles and nerve to deep transverse friction massage for decreasing pain and improving hand function in patients with chronic CTS. Subjects and Methods: Thirty patients, 25 to 40 years old, were included in this study and randomized into two groups: the first group (36.8 ± 0.262) followed a physical therapy program group receiving stretching of wrist and hand flexors in combination with ultrasound, strengthening exercises of wrist and hand flexors, and wrist splint, three sessions per week for 12 weeks;and the second group (35.9 ± 0.225) followed the physical therapy program of deep transverse friction massage on the carpal tunnel site at the wrist joint, with using ultrasonic therapy, strengthening exercises of wrist and hand flexors and wrist splint, three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were range of motion (ROM), pain using visual analog scale (VAS), and hand grip strength measured with a sphygmomanometer. Results: There was a significant difference in both groups in all outcome measures compared to baseline. Over stretching group showed significant difference at the end of study in terms of range of motion of wrist flexion, extension and strength of handgrip when compared to deep friction massage group P < 0.05. However, there is no significant difference between groups in pain. Discussion and Conclusion: This study showed that the effect of stretching exercises is more beneficial than deep transverse friction massage in the treatment of patients with CTS in decreasing the compression of the median nerve in the tunnel.

Exploring the Potential of a Questionnaire in Predicting Results of Nerve Conduction Studies in Patients with Suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Exploring a Clinician and Patient Complete Version

This evaluation of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (CTQ) was designed to establish the validity and flexibility of its potential use both within a primary and secondary care setting. The questionnaire was originally designed to predict the positive and negative outcome of Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) in those patients with suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Prior to being seen by the hand specialist patients who had been referred with suspected CTS where asked to complete the CTQ. These questionnaires were coded and filed by the clinic nurse. The hand specialist then completed the questionnaire with the patient preceding NCS. Questionnaires were scored subsequent to the appointment. Results for the hand specialist completed questionnaire showed an 80% specificity and 92% sensitivity regarding the ability of the CTQ to predict a positive NCS using a pre-determine cut-off score. The patient completed questionnaire showed a 70.67% specificity and 72% sensitivity. Using receiver operating characteristics a threshold score could be determined to achieve 100% sensitivity/specificity for both questionnaires. This questionnaire provides a useful addition in the assessment of patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome and could be used in a range of clinical settings although the scoring cut-off may need to be adapted depending on whether the questionnaire was completed by the clinician or patient. Using the questionnaire in a clinical setting would reduce the requirement for NCS by 60%, this would offer significant time and cost savings.

A handy review of carpal tunnel syndrome:From anatomy to diagnosis and treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is the most commonly diagnosed disabling condition of the upper extremities. It is the most commonly known and prevalent type of peripheral entrapment neuropathy that accounts for about 90% of all entrapment neuropathies. This review aims to provide an outline of CTS by considering anat-omy, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnostic modalities and management of this common condition, with an emphasis on the diagnostic imaging evaluation.

Grey-scale sonography and sonoelastography for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is a common peripheral entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve at wrist level, and is thought to be caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. There is no standard quantitative reference for the diagnosis of CTS. Greyscale sonography and sonoelastography(SEL) have been used as diagnostic tools. The most commonly agreed findings in grey-scale sonography for the diagnosis of CTS is enlargement of the median nerve cross-sectional area(CSA). Several authors have assessed additional parameters. "Delta CSA" is the difference between the proximal median nerve CSA at the pronator quadratus and the maximal CSA within the carpal tunnel. The "CSA ratio" is the ratio of CSA in the carpal tunnel to the CSA at the mid forearm. These additional parameters showed better diagnostic accuracy than CSA measurement alone. Recently, a number of studies have investigated the elasticity of the median nerve using SEL, and have shown that this also has diagnostic value, as it was significantly stiffer in CTS patients compared to healthy volunteers. In this review, we summarize the usefulness of grey-scale sonography and SEL in diagnosing CTS.

Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome caused by covert tophaceous gout: A case report

Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is well recognized as the most common type of peripheral neuropathy. A rare cause of CTS is tophaceous gout. Tophi deposits can accumulate in various structures including the flexor tendons, tendon sheaths, the carpal tunnel floor, transverse carpal ligament, and even the median nerve, causing various symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. Tophi forming in the carpal canal can compress the median nerve, leading to CTS. Here, we describe a 25-year-old male with a family history of tophaceous gout who presented with typical CTS symptoms. Although he had chronic numbness in his right hand, he failed to present with any obvious pal-pable masses on his forearm or hand. However, his family history, laboratory, clinical, and magnetic re-sonance imaging findings were consistent with tophi deposits. CTS symptoms were eased through surgical removal of tophi and decompression of the median nerve. No recurrences of gout and CTS symptoms were reported at a one-year follow-up. This case shows that CTS symptoms could be the initial manifestation of tophaceous gout. In patients with a family history of gout and with CTS symptoms, imaging examinations are critical for early diagnosis and selecting appropriate treatment. Surgical removal of "covert" tophi and decompression of the median nerve is an effective option for eliminating symptoms.

Single injection of platelet-rich plasma as a novel treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that platelet-rich plasma has therapeutic effects on many neuropathies, but its effects on carpal tunnel syndrome remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether single injection of platelet-rich plasma can improve the clinical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Fourteen patients presenting with median nerve injury who had suffered from mild carpal tunnel syndrome for over 3 months were included in this study. Under ultrasound guidance, 1-2 m L of platelet-rich plasma was injected into the region around the median nerve at the proximal edge of the carpal tunnel. At 1 month after single injection of platelet-rich plasma, Visual Analogue Scale results showed that pain almost disappeared in eight patients and it was obviously alleviated in three patients. Simultaneously, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire showed that upper limb function was obviously improved. In addition, no ultrasonographic manifestation of the carpal tunnel syndrome was found in five patients during ultrasonographic measurement of the width of the median nerve. During 3-month follow-up, the pain was not greatly alleviated in three patients. These findings show very encouraging mid-term outcomes regarding use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Does the ratio of the carpal tunnel inlet and outlet cross-sectional areas in the median nerve reflect carpal tunnel syndrome severity?

Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe（moderate and severe） carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME：ETIOLOGICAL，CLINICAL AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF 262 CASES

Two hundred and sixty-two patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were analyzed retrospectively. Results showed that middle-and older-age women were more apt to have CTS than men, and that the dominant hand was more frequently affected. Hormonal changes , repetitive and forceful movements, awkward positions of hand and wrist, and other factors may be associated with CTS. Typical clinical manifestations include pain and paresthesia in the median nerve territory, worsening at night or in the early morning , and being relieved by shaking the hand. Although the patients may localize the discomfort beyond the territory, sensory changes are variable and not entirely reliable. Conduction abnormalities often appeared selectively in the median nerve distal to the wrist in CTS. If the patient who is clinically suggestive of CTS shows normal conduction with conventional methods, palmar stimulation and inching technique is recommended. The diagnosis of CTS requires confirmation of illness history, symptoms and signs with objective electrodiagnostic tests.

Comparison of Histopathology of Transverse Carpal Ligament in Patients with Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hemodialysis Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The aim of this paper is to point out the growing clinical importance of Carpal tunnel syndrome in patients on hemodialysis especially in aspect of the diagnosis, treatment and possible cause of the syndrome. Sixty patients with clinical diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was defined as the presence of two subjective symptoms (numbness, tingling in the median nerve distribution). The diagnosis was confirmed by electromyography. The patients with rheumatoid arthritis, thalasemia and thyroid dysfunction and the patients having pain due to arthritis or tenosynovitis were excluded. Fifty patients with clinical diagnosis of idiopathic CTS and seven hemodialysis patients having CTS were analyzed. Of 50 patients (47 female, 3 male) with clinical diagnosis of idiopathic CTS, 11 patients (22%) were involved bilaterally, 25 patients (50%) were affected only on the right and 14 patients (28%) were symptomatic only on the left. Of 7 hemodialysis patients (2 female, 5 male) with CTS, 1 patient (14%) was involved bilaterally (having two-sided A-V fistula), 4 patients (57%) were affected only on the right and 2 patients (28%) were symptomatic only on the left. There was significant correlation between the arteriovenous fistula and subsequent development of CTS. The all patients had fistulas in the affected side (5 of them were patent and 2 were occluded). In the relation between the duration of hemodialysis and development of CTS, 4 patients were over 10 years of hemodialysis, 2 patients were between 5 to 9 years and only 1 patient was below 4 years of duration. Amyloid deposit was demonstrated in 4 of 7 operated hands in the hemodialysis group. When we compared the presence of amyloid deposits in these groups, the difference between these two groups were found as statistically significant (p < 0.009). Although hemodialysis has no significant effect on development of fibrosis, the incidence of fibrosis was found as statistically significant in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (p < 0.048). It is likely that there are numerous factors that may act either independently or in concert to potentiate the risk for developing CTS in patients on long-term hemodialysis.

Hypothenar fat pad flap vs conventional open release in primary carpal tunnel syndrome:A randomized controlled trial

AIM To compared outcomes between the hypothenar fat pad flap(HTFPF) and conventional open carpal tunnel release(COR) in primary carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS). METHODS Forty-five patients(49 hands) were enrolled into the study from January 2014 to March 2016, 8 patients were excluded. Randomization was conducted in 37 patients(41 hands) by computer generated(Block of four randomization) into COR and HTFPF group. Nerve conduction study(NCS) included distal sensory latency(DSL), distal motor latency(DML), sensory amplitude (S-amp), motor amplitude(M-amp) and sensory nerve conduction velocity(SCV) were examined at 6 and 12 wk after CTR. Levine score, grip and pinch strength, pain [visual analog scale(VAS)], 2-point discrimination(2-PD), Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test(SWM), Phalen test and Tinel's sign were evaluated in order to compare treatment outcomes.RESULTS The COR group, 19 patients(20 hands) mean age 50.4 years. The HTFPF group, 20 patients(21 hands) mean age 53.3 years. Finally 33 patients(36 hands) were analysed, 5 patients were loss follow-up, 17 hands in COR and 19 hands in HTFPF group. NCS revealed significant difference of DSL in HTFPF group at 6 wk(P < 0.05) compared with the COR group. S-amp was significant improved postoperatively in both groups(P < 0.05) but not significant difference between two groups. No significant difference of DML, M-amp and SCV postoperatively in both groups and between two groups. Levine score, pain(VAS), grip and pinch strength, 2-PD, SWM, Phalen test and Tinel's sign were improved postoperatively in both groups, but there was no significant difference between two groups.CONCLUSION There is no advantage outcome in primary CTS for having additional HTFPF procedure in CTR. COR is still the standard treatment. Nevertheless, improvement of DSL and S-amp could be observed at 6 wk postoperatively.

Axonal degeneration of the ulnar nerve secondary to carpal tunnel syndrome: fact or fiction?

The distribution of sensory symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome is strongly dependent on the degree of electrophysiological dysfunction of the median nerve. The association between carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment is still unclear. In this study, we measured ulnar nerve function in 82 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The patients were divided into group I with minimal carpal tunnel syndrome （n = 35） and group II with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome （n = 47） according to electrophysiological data. Sixty-one age- and sex-matched subjects without carpal tunnel syndrome were used as a control group. There were no significant differences in ulnar sensory nerve peak latencies or conduction velocities from the 4th and 5th fingers between patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and the control group. The ulnar sensory nerve action potential amplitudes from the 4th and 5th fingers were lower in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome than in the control group. The ratios of the ulnar sensory nerve action potential amplitudes from the 4th and 5th fingers were almost the same in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome as in the control group. These findings indicate that in patients with minimal to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, there is some electrophysiological evidence of traction on the adjacent ulnar nerve fibers. The findings do not indicate axonal degeneration of the ulnar nerve.