[Carpal tunnel syndrome in hemodialyzed patients]

Eight patients hemodialyzed for 7-15 years, operated in Lublin Orthopedic Department because of carpal tunnel syndrome are presented. The pain, paresthesia and thenar muscles atrophy were present 4 to 12 months prior to the surgery. Phalen sign in those patients was absent due to restricted range of motion in wrist arthropathy. After transverse carpal ligament dissection a thickened, brownish peri-tendon encapsulating flexor tendons without usual gloss but with white spots has been seen. Microscopic examination revealed amorphic bodies surrounded by lymphoid-plasmatic infiltrate and amyloid deposits reacting with Congo red. At the follow-up examination (3 years after surgery on the average) no pain or paraesthesiae were found but thenar muscles atrophy and loss of opposition was permanent.