Reverse radial artery fascial flap: a treatment for the chronically scarred median nerve in recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract

Six patients underwent re-exploration of the carpal tunnel for symptoms of recurrent median nerve compression. All patients had previously undergone two or more decompressions. Operative findings revealed evidence of chronic scarring of the median nerve with flattening and perineural fibrosis. Following decompression together with neurolysis and tenosynovectomy, a vascularized fascial flap pedicled distally on the radial artery was used to envelop the median nerve. Follow-up studies of between 12 and 61 months (mean, 25 months) showed improvement of symptoms in all patients, with 2 patients describing complete relief of pain and paresthesia and 4 patients describing mild intermittent pain or paresthesia.