1. Atroshi, I., Letter to the editor. JHS, 1999; 24A: 200-201.
2. Beer, T.A. and Dell, P.C. “Outcome following revision carpal tunnel surgery in worker’s compensation patients.” Poster exhibit AAOS annual meeting, 1998 New Orleans, LA.
3. Chang B. and Dellon, A.L. “Surgical management of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome.” JHS, 1993; 18B: 467-470.
4. Concannon, M.J., Brownfield, M.L., Puckett, C.L., “The incidence of recurrence after endoscopic carpal tunnel release.” Plast and Recon Surg, 2000; 105: 5: 1662-1665.
Poorly performed study performed by plastic surgeon suggested high incidence of redo via open CTR for ECTR. It did not rule ulnar neuropathy as a case of symptoms. Problems with semantics suggest lack of familiarity are to blame for suspected “recurrence”.
5. Hulsizer, D.L., Staebler, M.P., Weiss, A.C., and Akelman, E. “The results of revision carpal tunnel release following previous open versus endoscopic surgery.” JHS, 1998; 23A: 865-869.
Results abut the same in each group.
6. Ichtertz, D.R. "The myth of failed carpal tunnel release." Nebraska Hand and Shoulder Institute Press 1999.
Discusses the pitfalls in evaluating a person with persistent or “recurrent” symptoms. Almost always undiagnosed and untreated ulnar neuropathy is to blame.
7. Langloh, N.D., et al. "Recurrent and unrelieved carpal tunnel syndrome." Clin Orthop, 1972; 83:41-47.
Felt that incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament was the greatest cause of recurrence.
8. Murphy, R.X., Chernofsky, M.A., Osborne, M.A., Wolson, A.H., “Magnetic resonace imaging in the evaluation of persistent carpal tunnel syndrome.” JHS, 1993; 18A: 113-120.
Historical interest only. Not useful.
9. O’Malley M.J., Evanoff, M., Terrono, A.L., Millender, L.H., "Factors that determine reexploration treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome." JHS, 1992; 17A: 638-641.
Doesn’t yield useful guidelines. Similar results to other such studies.
10. Strickland, J.W., Idler, R.S., Lourie, G.M., and Plancher, K.D. "The hypothenar fat pad flap for management of recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome." JHS, 1996; 21A: 840-848.
Unusually aggressive treatment is discussed for a problem that hasn’t been seen by me in 20 years. Suggests that rethinking is necessary.
11. Tham, S.K., Ireland, D.C., Ricco, M., Morrison, W.A. "Reverse radial artery fascial flap: A treatment for the chronically scarred median nerve in recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome." JHS, 1996; 21A: 849-854.
An unlikely procedure which is unlikely to be needed by any surgeon for the treatment of CTS patient.