Dialysis carpal tunnel syndrome

Twelve carpal tunnel releases were performed in eight out of ten dialysis patients who developed progressive median and ulnar nerve compartment syndromes following side (artery)-to-end (vein) fistulae required for vascular access, out of a total population of between 200 and 250 patients (4 to 5%). It is our contention that etiology is directly related to the altered vascular hemodynamics produced by the fistulae. All the patients had rapid relief of their pain and dysesthesias, and were very satisfied despite some residual numbness in a few cases.