[Regeneration of median nerve motor units in an old carpal tunnel syndrome. Electromyographic studies].

The healing rates in carpal tunnel syndrome following surgical decompression are known to be excellent only in those cases which mainly show signs and symptoms without marked and permanent muscular atrophy of the thenar (i.e. without advanced damage to the motor units of the median nerve). In accordance with the findings of CURTIS (1973) we have added microsurgical techniques in a group of patients with very advanced disease. In a first series definite clinical recovery of the motor units of the median nerve was found in 80%. These clinical findings are now confirmed by the electrophysiological findings in a group of cases examined pre- and postoperatively by identical electrophysiological parameters. The results are discussed. To avoid additional damage to the nerve, experience in microsurgical techniques is of the utmost importance.