Vein Wrapping for Recurrent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  Background:In spite of surgical technique it is possible to treat recurrence of CTS and regression of symptoms. One of the causes of recurrence is nerve adhesion to soft tissue.Methods:14 cases, with paresthesia, pain, and weakness after CTS surgery, were checked by clinical and paraclinical methods. Mean duration after surgery was 6 months (8-24). Resurgery was performed with classic approach but a little wider than the first incision.Findings:In 3 patients, transverse retinaculum has not been released completely and in 11 cases, nerve adhesion was seen; after nerve release, dorsal forearm vein was used for separation of nerve from scar tissue and prevention of new scar. Mean duration of follow up after revision was 11 months (8-36). Except 2 cases (because of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) Syndrome) in other patients all of signs and symptoms were relieved.Conclusion:In recurrent CTS, vein wrapping seems to be a simple and beneficial method.Key words:Carpal tunnel syndrome, recurrence, reoperation, dorsal hand vein