[Intraneural neurolysis of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome].

Out of 250 neurolyses with microsurgical technique in the past six years 51 performed in carpal tunnel syndrome. The nerve compression was caused in most cases by unspecific sclerotic and fibrous tendovaginitis with pathologic changes of the nerve by adhesions between epineurium and tendon sheath. One patient showed a tuberculous tenosynovitis. In 20% of the patients no visible changes of the nerve was found during operation (stage I), while more than 50% showed slight compression (stage II) and 25% severe compression. Postoperatively the clinical examination including some special tests for function revealed in almost all cases a normalization of sensibility and motor function.