Perforator-based radial forearm fascial flap for management of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To study the benefit of using the perforator-based radial forearm fascial flap for patients with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome.

METHODS:

We used a perforator-based radial forearm fascial flap in 8 patients to cover the median nerve. All of the patients had undergone an index carpal tunnel release, and 3 of them had undergone at least 1 revision surgery to further decompress the median nerve.

RESULTS:

At average of 20 months (range, 6-30 mo) after the forearm fascial flap, all patients reported symptomatic improvement with complete resolution of nighttime symptoms. No patient reported worsening of symptoms; however, some subjective parasthesias persisted in 3 of the 8 patients. Objective assessment revealed complete resolution of a Tinel sign in 5 of 8 patients and noteworthy improvement in the remaining 3 patients. Average 2-point discrimination was 10.0 mm before surgery and 5.4 mm after surgery, average grip strength improved from 13.5 kg to 21.0 kg, and average tip pinch strength improved from 4.1 kg to 7.0 kg.

CONCLUSIONS:

The perforator-based radial forearm fascial flap may prove useful in the setting of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome after surgical decompression.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic IV.

• Authors: Mostafa Mahmoud, Sherif El Shafie, Erin E Coppola, John C Elfar
• Journal: The Journal of hand surgery (J Hand Surg Am) Vol. 38 Issue 11 Pg. 2151-8 (Nov 2013) ISSN: 1531-6564 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24206978 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (surgery)
• Female
• Hand Strength
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Perforator Flap (blood supply)
• Recurrence
• Retrospective Studies
• Suture Techniques