[PUBLICATION] Median nerve entrapment syndrome in the elbow and proximal forearm. Anatomic causes and results for a 55-case surgical series at a mean 7 years' follow-up
Collaborative research project led by Dr. Guillaume Bacle
Abstract
Background: Proximal median nerve (MN) neuropathy represents 1% of upper-limb compressive neuropathies. The literature reports two clinical presentations, depending on the location of the entrapment: pronator teres (PT), and anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) syndrome.
Hypothesis: There is no correlation between symptoms and location of proximal compressive structures on the MN trunk or AIN.
Patients and methods: Clinical and paraclinical data from 55 surgical MN releases around the elbow and proximal forearm were analyzed retrospectively. Mean age at diagnosis was 56±15years. Preoperative sensory and motor deficit signs were present in 89% of cases. Reduced MN conduction velocity and/or neurogenic anomalies in the MN territory were present in 94% of cases. Intraoperative details of compressive structures were collected. Patients were followed up in consultation to assess progression of symptoms and deficits.
Results: Mean follow-up was 84±70months. Objective motor deficit signs persisted in 18 of the 35 patients (18 cases), and objective sensory signs in 19 cases. A compressive anatomical structure was systematically found. There were at least two MN entrapment sites in 13 cases (24%). No isolated AIN entrapment was found. There was a significant correlation between symptom duration and persistence of objective sensory signs (p=0.002).
Discussion: There was no correlation between entrapment site and clinical signs on examination. Surgery requires exploring all potential entrapment sites. Improvement may be incomplete in case of late treatment.