Post-surgical complications of median nerve release at the wrist level

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel. The diagnosis is clinical and based on the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms. Proper nonsurgical treatment can stop the progression of this disorder and prevent the development of permanent disability. Surgical treatment may be indicated to patients with complications rated as moderate to severe. Although the surgery is relatively simple, basic antisepsis care before, during, and after the procedure, and guidance of patients for the management of wound hygiene upon discharge, make recovery more secure and prevent disabling sequelae. We report a case of a patient that had infection, edema, and temporary loss of flexibility of the fingers after a surgical procedure to release the median nerve.

Keywords

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• antisepsis
• surgical wound infection