Compression neuropathy from muscle fibrosis induced by repeated meperidine injections

The combination of myopathy and neuropathy with fibrosis and contractures has apparently not yet been reported from the use of meperidine. We describe a patient addicted to meperidine in whom bilateral hand numbness and weakness developed and electrodiagnostic studies revealed moderate slowing of motor nerve conduction velocities. Neurolysis of the median and ulnar nerves resulted in markedly improved symptoms.