Ulnar Nerve Injury Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A Case Report

Cureus. 2022 Dec 13;14(12):e32477. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32477. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common peripheral nerve diseases. It is managed medically and if not, resolved by surgical procedure. Decompression of the carpal tunnel is considered the definitive treatment. There are multiple complications after this procedure, which can be classified into three categories: (I) persistent, (II) recurrent, or (III) new symptoms, and ulnar nerve palsy after decompression of the carpal tunnel is a rare complication. In this study, we present a case of carpal tunnel decompression, which was complicated by ulnar nerve palsy, which exacerbated a pre-existing chronic ulnar nerve injury. We also explore the possible causes that may have led to this outcome.

Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome; open carpal tunnel release; ulnar nerve; ulnar nerve injury; ulnar nerve palsy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports