Síndrome del túnel carpiano en pacientes con nervio mediano bífido

Abstract

Introduction The most frequent type of entrapment neuropathy is carpal tunnel syndrome. Diagnosis is often clinical and electromyographic. Ultrasound studies not only permit diagnosis through the detection of median nerve morphological changes but also make it possible to identify potential anatomic abnormalities prior to decompressive surgery, thus constituting an invaluable tool for the surgeon who can in this way obtain better results. Case reports We present 4 cases of a bifid median nerve diagnosed preoperatively by means of ultrasound and we evaluated this finding taking into account the patients’ clinical specificities and the good surgical outcome, with previous knowledge of the anatomy and decompression of both branches. Conclusions The existence of this abnormality and other possible intracanal pathologies make us prefer open approaches to the carpal tunnel over endoscopic surgery, if genuine resolution of the condition is to be achieved.