Susceptibility of the Median Palmar Cutaneous Nerve in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the susceptibility of the palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve (PCBm) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Material and Methods: Electrophysiological assesment of the PCBm sensory conduction study in electrodiagnostically defined carpal tunnel syndrome extremities. Results: We examined 83 hands with electrodiagnostically defined CTS and 33 control extremities. While none of the extremities without carpal tunnel syndrome shows pathological PCBm sensory conduction study, 62.7% (52) of the extremities with carpal tunnel syndrome showed pathologic conduction and there was statistically significant difference between the groups (p< 0.05). PCBm sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) was obtained in all of the extremities with mild carpal tunnel syndrome. The SNAP could not be obtained in 20% (5/25) extremities with moderate carpal tunnel syndrome and in extremities with 46.1% (6/13) severe carpal tunnel syndrome. On evaluation according to the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome; 37.2% (16/43) of the cases with mild carpal tunnel syndrome showed electrophysiological pathology in PCBm sensory conduction study, and it was detected in 92.6% (27/25) of the cases with moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, and 84.6% (11/13) of the cases with severe carpal tunnel syndrome Conclusion: PCBm is frequently effected in patientes with CTS and suggest that this nerve not ideal as a comparator nerve for the electrophysiological diagnosis of CTS.