Open carpal tunnel release. Does a vascularized hypothenar fat pad reduce wound tenderness?

Carpal tunnel decompression gives relief of symptoms of tingling and numbness in the fingers in around 90% of carpal tunnel syndrome cases. The most common complaint after operation is pain and tenderness about the operation scar. The normal median nerve slides back and forth during wrist movement. Loss of this movement due to scar adhesion is suggested as a cause of wound pain and residual symptoms. We performed a controlled, blinded study of bilateral primary carpal tunnel releases comparing standard closure with a hypothenar fat pad flap modified closure. No significant differences in pain or other symptoms were found.