title: Neurologic disorders masquerading as carpal tunnel syndrome: 12 cases of failed carpal tunnel release.
abstract: We describe 12 patients with a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in whom carpal tunnel release was unsuccessful and another neurologic disorder was diagnosed subsequently. Final diagnoses included polyneuropathy, radiculopathy, motor neuron disease, spondylotic myelopathy, syringomyelia, and multiple sclerosis. Sources of error by the electromyographer and treating physician were identified. Care must be taken to avoid an inappropriate carpal tunnel operation when clinical or electrodiagnostic features are atypical.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Witt
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Stevens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D017211:Treatment Failure