Diagnosis and Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Local Lesions

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of nonidiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) caused by variable local lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who underwent surgery for CTS caused by local lesions were studied. The average age was 53.3 years. There were 5 men and 10 women. Plain radiographs including carpal tunnel view and ultrasonography were routinely performed, and magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were taken in selected cases. Carpal tunnel release were done by a single surgeon. RESULTS: Lesions causing CTS included calcification in five cases, ganglion in two, malunion after distal radius fracture in one, osteophyte of carpal bone in one, tuberculosis tenosynovitis in one, synovitis by foreign body in one, acute lunate dislocation in one, lipoma in two, median artery in one. Following surgery, all cases showed alleviation of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Prior to surgical decompression of CTS, it is important to assess any lesion around median nerve and carpal tunnel through physical examination, radiographs including carpal tunnel view and ultrasonography.