Is carpal tunnel release safe in electrical burn decompressive therapy: Six-years experience

Abstract

Objective: Upper extremity electrical burn can create severe sequela and debilitation if not treated properly. Immediate decompression with fasciotomy and carpal tunnel release seem to be the most promising choice of treatment. Neurologic functional loss can be avoided if median nerve is liberated. Material and Methods: During 6-year time interval, 50 out of 1158 burn patients underwent upper extremity decompressive fasciotomy with carpal tunnel release. Their hand motor function based on nerve innervation and daily usage questionnaire were followed in 12-month intervals. Results: Average score rose markedly after 18 month and reached nearly normal at the end of 66 month. Median, ulnar and radial nerve function tests were all positive, and no irreversible nerve function loss observed. Conclusion: All compartments of the forearm should be explored and carpal tunnel release should be added into upper extremity decompressive fasciotomy after electrical burns.