Median nerve entrapment syndrome in the proximal forearm

Median nerve compression in the proximal forearm is relatively uncommon. This study reviews 71 cases over a 20 year period. Of the 71 in this series, 51 were treated surgically. The time of onset to definitive treatment ranged from 6 months to 5 years, with an average of 9 months. The ages of patients varied from 15 to 56 years and there were 13 males and 58 females. Past criteria for making the diagnosis are reviewed and an added series of clinical observations is made, including three definitive stress tests. In all cases surgically treated compression of the median nerve has been found at one of three levels, in the following order of frequency: the pronator teres, the flexor superficialis arch, and the lacertus fibrosus. Follow-up has been from 6 months to 19 years and four cases in the series were considered to be failures.