Carpal tunnel syndrome and treatment of recurrent symptoms

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression lesion of peripheral nerves with a prevalence of 4%. It is often treated by release of the flexor retinaculum, which may completely relieve the symptoms. Although such treatment is considered successful, there are probably many patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms. Recurrence implies that the patient's symptoms were initially relieved but recurred some time after the operation; this is a controversial field in which clear definitions, aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment seem uncertain. We describe recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome and summarise possibilities for diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Key Words::

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• recurrent
• persistent
• neurolysis
• median nerve
• flaps

Acknowledgements

The project was supported by grants from the Swedish Research Council (Medicine), Crafoord's Fund for Medical Research, Konsul Thure Carlsson Fund for Medical Research, Region Skåne, and Funds from the University Hospital Malmö, Sweden.