[Revision operations in carpal tunnel syndrome]

From 1975 to 1990, 1133 carpal tunnel releases were performed. Of these operations, 81 were secondary procedures, suggesting that repeat surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is not uncommon. Of the 50 repeat procedures during the last six years, 37 were operated on due to persistent or early recurrent symptoms within fifteen months of their first operation. Technical errors and complications due to traumatic technique were found to be the underlying causes. The most frequent finding was an incompletely divided retinaculum flexorum. Twelve out of thirteen patients with an operation interval longer than fifteen months had been relieved of their complaints for months after the first operation. Some of these cases are considered to be true recurrences. In cases of persistent or recurrent symptoms after carpal tunnel release, operative revision is indicated without hesitation.