Recurrent compressive neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist: Treatment with autogenous saphenous vein wrapping

Recurrence of symptoms occurs in a significant number of patients after sur gical decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome, and its management is both challenging and difficult. Fifteen patients with recurrent carpal tunnel sy ndrome were treated with a vein wrapping technique using the autologous sap henous vein. A total of 48 operations had been performed on these patients before wrapping the median were with a saphenous vein graft. At a mean foll ow-up of 43 months all patients reported significant pain relief and improv ement in their sensory disturbances. Two-point discrimination and the findi ngs of nerve conduction studies also improved.