Palmar lipomas associated with compression of the median nerve

The records of five patients who had had a palmar mass associated with altered sensibility in the distribution of the median nerve were reviewed retrospectively. Three-dimensional imaging (computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) proved useful for establishment of the diagnosis of a lipoma and planning of the operative procedure. Treatment included release of the transverse carpal ligament, excision of the tumor, and exploration of the carpal canal and the median nerve and its distal digital branches. At an average of twenty-four months postoperatively, all patients had a complete return of sensibility and resolution of the discomfort.