J Korean Soc Surg Hand.  2012 Mar;17(1):37-42.

Diagnosis and Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Local Lesions

• Cho JM
• Nam HJ
• Kim KC
• Woo SH

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.

Keyword

Carpal tunnel syndrome; Non-idiopathic; Carpal tunnel release

MeSH Terms

Arteries
Carpal Bones
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Decompression, Surgical
Dislocations
Female
Foreign Bodies
Ganglion Cysts
Humans
Lipoma
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Median Nerve
Osteophyte
Physical Examination
Radius Fractures
Synovitis
Tenosynovitis
Tuberculosis