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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
09:34
Structured Motor Rehabilitation After Selective Nerve Transfers
Published on: August 15, 2019
21.8K
Delayed Repair of Recurrent Motor Branch Injury after Carpal Tunnel Release
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN.
Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online
|April 4, 2025
Summary
Iatrogenic injury to the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve can occur during carpal tunnel release. Successful primary repair is possible even 2 years after injury, showing significant functional recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Hand Surgery
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Iatrogenic injury to the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve is a rare but serious complication of carpal tunnel release.
- Awareness of anatomical variations is crucial, especially with minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old woman presented with symptoms 2 years after carpal tunnel surgery.
- Her recurrent motor branch of the median nerve injury was diagnosed late.
- She underwent primary repair 25 months after the initial injury.
Findings:
- The patient showed significant improvements in thumb function, strength, and thenar muscle bulk.
- These improvements began 2 months post-repair and continued through 7 months of follow-up.
- Successful reinnervation and functional recovery were observed despite the delayed repair.
Implications:
- Surgical repair of a severed recurrent motor branch is a viable option even 2 years after the injury.
- Functional recovery and muscle reinnervation are possible even after a considerable delay.
- This case highlights the importance of considering nerve injury in persistent post-carpal tunnel symptoms and the potential for late surgical intervention.
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