Open Carpal Tunnel Release With a Z-plasty Rearrangement for Median Nerve Mononeuropathy Secondary to Traumatic Scar Contracture

Cureus. 2023 May 31;15(5):e39802. doi: 10.7759/cureus.39802. eCollection 2023 May.

Abstract

We present the case of a 56-year-old woman who developed carpal tunnel syndrome and palmar scar contracture secondary to a left-hand palmar laceration in a pedestrian versus motor vehicle accident. The patient underwent carpal tunnel release and a Z-plasty rearrangement to restore normal thumb movement. The patient reported significant improvement in thumb mobility, resolution of median neuropathy symptoms, and no pain along the scar at her three-month follow-up. Our case illustrates the effectiveness of a Z-plasty in relieving tension along scars and potential management for traction-type extraneural neuropathy arising from scar contracture.

Keywords: carpal tunnel syndome; extraneural; hand surgeon; median neuropathy; mononeuropathy; open carpal tunnel release; z-plasty.

Publication types

  • Case Reports