Abstract
Aim: To retrospectively review the results of the use of adductor digiti quinti flap in failed cases of primary carpal tunnel tunnel release. The concept under this procedure is to provide a highly vascularised bed for axonal regeneration.
Material: Twenty cases of failed carpal tunnel release included in the study. The average age of patients was 43 years. There were thirteen female and five male patients. In two cases, one male and one female the procedure performed bilaterally.
All patients had a repeat of release ading a neurolysis of the median nerve. The adducor digiti quinti flap was dissected up to its neurovascular bundle and flipped over..
Results: In thirteen cases the procedure was successful as this was detected objectively and subjectively. In four cases the situation was unchanged and in three a revision surgery required for decompression of the nerve. Complex regional pain syndrome developed in three cases.
Conclusion: Although postoperative healing and rehabilitation time is lengthy due to more extensile dissection, pain relief, motor and sensory improvement, and hand dexterity justify the procedure.
Correspondence should be addressed to Ms Larissa Welti, Scientific Secretary, EFORT Central Office, Technoparkstrasse 1, CH-8005 Zürich, Switzerland
