Neurologic disorders masquerading as carpal tunnel syndrome: 12 cases of failed carpal tunnel release

We describe 12 patients with a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in whom carpal tunnel release was unsuccessful and another neurologic disorder was diagnosed subsequently. Final diagnoses included polyneuropathy, radiculopa thy, motor neuron disease, spondylotic myelopathy, syringomyelia, and multi ple sclerosis, Sources of error by the electromyographer and treating physi cian mere identified. Care must be taken to avoid an inappropriate carpal t unnel operation when clinical or electrodiagnostic features are atypical.