The acute carpal tunnel syndrome.

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome occurred subsequent to fractures of the wrist in four patients. A bone graft operation had been performed on the distal end of the radius in a fifth patient. Each patient underwent a normal neurologic examination immediately posttrauma; only one experienced early return of nerve function. Four patients were treated by carpal tunnel release at 36 to 96 hours after the injury. Carpal canal pressure measurements were performed pre- and postoperatively in one patient.