[Carpal tunnel syndrome. Late results following surgical treatment]

Of 64 patients, who had undergone operation because of a carpal tunnel syndrome in the years 1982 to 1984, 39 patients could be reinvestigated. The measurement of the distal motor latency was useful as well in the diagnosis as in the course of the CTS. After operation the distal motor latency was normal in about 70.7% of the cases. A subjective improvement showed 69.9% of the patients. Patients with preoperative normal motor latency reached similar postoperative results. The diagnosis cannot made only on the basis of electrophysiologic pathological values, but has to take into account the clinical picture and neurological findings. Phalen's and Tinel's signs are useful helps in the diagnosis of CTS. The results after decompression of the median nerve depend on the length of history.