Carpal tunnel syndrome: update.

Since reports in the late 1940s of surgical treatment for compressive neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist, carpal tunnel release has become one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Despite the frequency of this surgery, controversy remains regarding diagnosis and management. Fifty consecutive surgically treated cases performed under local anesthesia. Ninety percent of patients (45/50) obtained complete relief of symptoms. The success rate is related to proper patient selection and complete division of the transverse carpal ligament under direct vision at surgery.