Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy in
humans today. Surgical release is indicated for patients when conservative treatment fails. The midpalmar carpal tunnel release is a safe, simple and successful technique and becoming increasingly popular Objective: The evaluation of the relationship between clinical and electrophysiological results in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome treated with midpalmar carpal tunnel release .
Patients and Methods: From July 2009 through March 2013, we conducted 48 procedures in 43 patients in Benha university hospital and Mabarra hospital. Of these 48 procedures, we could follow only 37 procedures in 35 patients, 2 patients underwent bilateral operations. The patients included were 30 women (85.7%) and 5 men (14.2%) aged 23 to 58 years. In all patients, the diagnosis of Carpal tunnel syndrome based on a clinical presentation and confirmed by preoperative electromyography of median nerve below the elbow. All Patients were reevaluated clinically and electrophysiologically 6 months postoperatively. Results: 30 hands (81%) had excellent relief of symptoms, 4 hands (10.8%) had good relief of symptoms, 2 hands (5.4%) had fair relief of symptoms, and 1 hand (2.7%) had only minimal improvement in the symptoms. the final electrophysiological tests of most of the patients were still showing carpal tunnel syndrome in various degrees .Conclusion: In spite of significant clinical improvement after midpalmar carpal tunnel release, the final electrophysiological findings of most patients still suggesting the presence of various degrees of carpal tunnel syndrome so no relation was found between postoperative electrophysiological changes and clinical results in midpalmar carpal tunnel release.
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