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Posttraumatic neuropathy of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve: four cases. Laceration or entrapment?

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Abstract

The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve is highly exposed to trauma at the wrist; nevertheless, very few cases have been reported. We report four cases of this neuropathy, three being superficial while the fourth was deeper or more severe. The neuropathy was confirmed using electro-neurophysiological assessments. Macroscopically, the nerve appeared compressed and enlarged, and in all cases, surgical repair produced a significant improvement. This neuropathy often follows minor traumas and, maybe, should be taken into account as part of the differential diagnosis of posttraumatic or postsurgical lateral and distal wrist pain.

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Correspondence to Jose Manuel Pardal-Fernández.

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Pardal-Fernández, J.M., Gracia-Rodríguez, I., Iniesta-López, I. et al. Posttraumatic neuropathy of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve: four cases. Laceration or entrapment?. Acta Neurochir 153, 617–620 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-010-0847-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-010-0847-7

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