Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine  2012;36(2):291-296

doi:10.5535/arm.2012.36.2.291

Ulnar Neuropathy at the Wrist in a Patient with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome after Open Carpal Tunnel Release.

Nack Hwan KIM 1 ; Dong Hwee KIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

Carpal tunnel syndrome; Open carpal tunnel release; Ulnar neuropathy

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Ulnar neuropathy at the wrist is rarely reported as complications of carpal tunnel release. Since it can sometimes be confused with recurrent median neuropathy at the wrist or ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, an electrodiagnostic study is useful for detecting the lesion in detail. We present a case of a 51-year-old woman with a two-week history of right ulnar palm and 5th digit tingling sensation that began 3 months after open carpal tunnel release surgery of the right hand. Electrodiagnostic tests such as segmental nerve conduction studies of the ulnar nerve at the wrist were useful for localization of the lesion, and ultrasonography helped to confirm the presence of the lesion. After conservative management, patient symptoms were progressively relieved. Combined electrodiagnostic studies and ultrasonography may be helpful for diagnosing and detecting ulnar neuropathies of the wrist following carpal tunnel release surgery.