title: Complications related to carpal tunnel release.
abstract: Complications of operative carpal tunnel release continue to occur in the clinical practice of hand surgery. Anatomic localization of nerve injury has been reviewed in the area of the palmar cutaneous nerve, the median motor branch, and in the combined sensory/motor median nerve itself. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans have been reviewed to facilitate early appropriate treatment which usually diminishes disability. General complications have also been discussed including recurrent scar formation which is probably the most commonly encountered complication following carpal tunnel release. Possible neurovascular complications involving the development of reflex sympathetic dystrophy have received some attention in this presentation in order to alert the clinical surgeon to the possibility of this entity providing further disability to an already injured median nerve.
authors.affiliation: Medical Corporation, 770 Washington St., Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92103, USA. rbraun@handsrus.com
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rechnic
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fowler
mesh_terms: D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods