Vibration-induced carpal tunnel syndrome.

The authors reviewed the median nerve decompressions performed by the senior author between 1976 and 1985 and found 787 surgical cases, of which 42 potentially occurred secondary to the use of vibration tools. All 42 patients presented with the classic history of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and demonstrated a positive electromyography (EMG) or nerve-conduction study (NCS). Another six nonoperated patients with positive EMG or NCS were added to the group for a total of 48 patients with what the authors term vibration-induced carpal tunnel syndrome (VI-CTS). Of the 42 operated cases, 23 were bilateral, so a total of 65 median nerve decompressions are presented. Eight patients in the operated group also underwent incision of the flexor sheath for trigger fingers. The potential association between CTS or trigger finger and vibration syndrome is presented. The authors conclude that in the properly selected patient with VI-CTS, good subjective results can be obtained by median nerve decompression and/or trigger finger release.