Bifid median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome: do we need to know?
INTRODUCTION
We tested the hypothesis that a bifid median nerve predisposes to development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and investigated differences in electrophysiological findings and outcome.


METHODS
A total of 259 consecutive patients with clinically defined CTS were included and investigated clinically, electrophysiologically, and ultrasonographically. Fifty-four healthy asymptomatic volunteers were investigated ultrasonographically.


RESULTS
The prevalence of bifid median nerves is equal in patients with CTS and controls. Electrophysiological and ultrasonographic abnormalities are more pronounced in patients with non-bifid median nerves. Some outcome data are better in patients with non-bifid median nerves, but others do not show significant differences.


CONCLUSIONS
A bifid median nerve is not an independent risk factor for development of CTS. Some of our data suggest outcome after surgical decompression to be different, but others do not. The surgical technique in these patients may therefore have to be reevaluated.
['Kasius|Kristel M|KM|', 'Claes|Franka|F|', 'Meulstee|Jan|J|', 'Verhagen|Wim Im|WI|']
D000200:Action Potentials D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome D004558:Electric Stimulation D004576:Electromyography D005260:Female D005500:Follow-Up Studies D007839:Functional Laterality D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008475:Median Nerve D008875:Middle Aged D009431:Neural Conduction D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care D012044:Regression Analysis D014463:Ultrasonography
bifid median nerve carpal tunnel syndrome outcome nerve conduction studies ultrasonography