Revision Surgery after Carpal Tunnel Release for Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the causes of recurrent and persistent symptoms after carpal tunnel release and to evaluate the result of revision surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: wenty one patients who underwent surgery for recurrent or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome after carpal tunnel release were studied. The mean age was 59 years. There were 2 men and 19 women. The mean time interval between first operation and revision surgery was 29.8 months, and mean follow up period was 10.6 months. The operations were done by single surgeon. RESULTS: The most common cause of failed carpal tunnel release was scar adhesion, which was observed in nine cases. Other causes included incomplete release of transverse carpal ligament in six, scar adhesion with incomplete release in three, iatrogenic median nerve injury in two, and unrecognized calcification in one. Following revision surgery, 15 cases (71%) showed alleviation of symptoms. CONCLUSION: In cases of recurrent or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome following carpal tunnel release, evaluation of the causes is essential in performing revision surgery.