SURGICAL TREATMENT OF THE CARPAL-TUNNEL SYNDROME CORRELATED WITH PREOPERATIVE NERVE-CONDUCTION STUDIES

Th diagnosis of carpal-tunnel syndrome was made clinically in 24 cases (101 patients) and in each instance it was confirmed by nerve-conduction studies. Surgery was carried out with a uniform technique. Retrospective analysis of the series suggests that nerve-conduction studies can be used as a prognostic factor. Those patients with motor abnormalities appeared to have a more favorable result than those with only sensory abnormalities. Neurolysis was found to be a valuable adjunct to the release of the volar carpal ligament. Preoperative duration of symptoms did not appear to significantly influence the results of the operation.