Presentation
Referred for the left wrist ultrasound with the clinical diagnosis of the left carpal tunnel syndrome.
Patient Data
There is edema of the median nerve just proximal to carpal tunnel. The cross-sectional area of the nerve is about 14 mm2. The nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel which is seen in the image aligned to the long axis of the nerve. There is no mass lesion in the tunnel. There is no bifid median nerve / persistent median artery.
Intra-operative photograph after release of flexure retinaculum shows compressed nerve in the tunnel along with mild discoloration.
Case Discussion
An elderly male was referred for an ultrasound with a clinical diagnosis of the carpal tunnel syndrome. Ultrasound of wrist revealed median nerve compression in the tunnel and secondary finding of nerve edema. Intraoperative photo shows nerve compression in the tunnel.
Intraoperative photo courtesy of operating surgeon Dr. Vitrag Shah.