Evaluation and treatment of failed carpal tunnel release

Treatment failure and complications are encountered in 1% to 25% of all carpal tunnel releases. Besides hematoma, infection, skin necrosis, and intraoperative iatrogenic injuries, persistence and recurrence should be included in this discussion. Persistence is often related to incomplete release. Similar symptoms recurring after a symptom-free interval of 6 months are considered recurrent and may be caused by intraneural or perineural scarring. Adequate diagnosis and treatment of these failures can be challenging. Operative release is the main treatment consisting of complete decompression of the median nerve. In some circumstances, coverage of the median nerve may be necessary.