BIFID MEDIAN NERVE IN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: DO WE NEED TO KNOW? KRISTEL M. KASIUS, MD,1,2 FRANKA CLAES, MD,3 JAN MEULSTEE, MD, PhD,2 and WIM IM VERHAGEN, MD, PhD2 1 Department of Neurology, St. Lucas Andreas Hospital, P.O. Box 9243, 1006 AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2 Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands 3 Department of Neurology, Vlietland Hospital, Schiedam, The Netherlands Accepted 3 March 2014 ABSTRACT: 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. Muscle Nerve 50: 835–843, 2014

of bifid median nerves and CTS was found in a recent study among a large population of manual workers.9 In addition to variable data on frequency, data about electrophysiologic findings and outcome in patients with CTS and bifid median nerves are scarce. The aim of this study is to test our hypothesis that a bifid median nerve, as demonstrated by ultrasonography, predisposes to development of carpal tunnel syndrome. The second aim is to investigate whether there are differences in clinical symptoms, electrophysiologic findings, and treatment outcome between patients with bifid and those with non-bifid median nerves. MATERIALS AND METHODS

The

use of imaging studies such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnostic purposes in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has led to an increase in the recognition of bifid median nerves and other anatomic or morphological anomalies in patients with CTS and in healthy controls. It is suggested that the presence of a bifid nerve is associated with the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.1–3 Some suggest that a bifid nerve may facilitate compression of the nerve in the carpal tunnel because of larger summated cross-sectional areas (CSA) compared with the CSA of non-bifid nerves.1 However, data about the frequency and association with CTS are ambiguous. The reported frequency of bifid median nerves varies from 0.8% to 21% in patients with CTS,1,4–6 and up to 18% were found in a retrospective study with MRI scans performed for various medical reasons.7 The frequency in healthy subjects is reported to be approximately 8–15%.8,9 However, no significant association between the prevalence Abbreviations: APB, abductor pollicis brevis muscle; CMAP, compound muscle action potential; CSA, cross-sectional area; CTS, carpal tunnel syndrome; DML, distal motor latency; n.s., not significant; NCS, nerve conduction studies; NCV, nerve conduction velocity; SD, standard deviation; SNAP, sensory nerve action potential; ULN, upper limit of normal Key words: bifid median nerve; carpal tunnel syndrome; nerve conduction studies; outcome; ultrasonography Correspondence to: Kristel M. Kasius; e-mail: [email protected] C 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. V

Published online 6 March 2014 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/mus.24234

CTS and Bifid Median Nerve

A total of 259 consecutive patients with clinically defined CTS were included in this study. Carpal tunnel syndrome was considered to be present clinically in patients with pain and/or paresthesias in the sensory distribution of the median nerve or in a glove distribution, and if patients met 2 or more of the following criteria: (1) nocturnal paresthesias; (2) reproduction or aggravation of paresthesias or pain by provocative tests (Tinel or Phalen signs); (3) aggravation of paresthesias by activities such as driving, bike riding, or holding a book or a telephone; or (4) relief of symptoms by shaking the hand. These clinical criteria have been used previously in other studies.10,11 Patients were excluded if they had any of the following: clinical signs of polyneuropathy or known hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy; history of trauma or previous surgery of the symptomatic wrist; pregnancy; severe atrophy of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle; history of rheumatoid arthritis or arthrosis of the wrist; or known diabetes, thyroid disease, or alcoholism. In case of bilateral complaints compatible with clinical CTS, only the most symptomatic hand was included. All candidates gave written informed consent, and the study was approved by the local medical ethics committee. Subjects.

Control Subjects. The control group consisted of 54 healthy asymptomatic volunteers, 29 women and 25 men. Both hands were examined. Reference values for the nerve conduction studies were MUSCLE & NERVE

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derived from 47 healthy, asymptomatic volunteers who were tested in the same laboratory. Electrodiagnostic Evaluation. All patients underwent standardized motor and sensory nerve conduction studies (NCS) in accordance with the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine guidelines.12 NCS were performed using a Viking Myograph type IV (Nicolet Biomedial Inc., Madison, Wisconsin). Skin temperature at the site of recording was maintained at a minimum of 31.0 C by means of hot packs and was measured before and after each test with an infrared thermometer (62 Mini IR thermometer, Fluke Biomedical, Cleveland, Ohio). Electrophysiological studies were all performed by the same examiner (J.M.), who was not informed of the preceding clinical examination results. Ring electrodes were applied for recording sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs). The proximal electrode was placed at the first interphalangeal joint and the distal recording electrode at a distance of at least 3 cm, if feasible. The ground electrode was placed between the proximal recording electrode and the stimulation site and, if necessary, repositioned to reduce stimulus artifacts. In case of disturbing stimulus artifacts, the anode was repositioned without changing the position of the cathode by turning the stimulator to reduce the stimulus artifact. The hand was fixed manually by the examiner to reduce movement artifacts. The optimal stimulation site was determined carefully, and stimulus current was adjusted to obtain supramaximal stimulation. Signal averaging was applied on all SNAPs. Sensory nerve conduction studies comprised 2 comparison tests and 1 short segment study. One motor nerve conduction study was performed in each individual. In all tests, onset latencies were measured for comparison tests or to compute nerve conduction velocities. All tests have previously been described in detail.13,14 In summary:

1. Sensory median-radial comparison test [DIG1]: SNAPs from median and radial nerves recorded from the first finger after separate stimulation of the median and radial nerve at the wrist, with the same conduction distance. Sensory nerve conduction velocities and differences between onset latencies were computed. A difference in onset latency more than 0.6 ms or the absence of the median SNAP is considered to be consistent with CTS. 2. Sensory median-ulnar comparison test [DIG4]: SNAPs from median and ulnar nerves were recorded from the fourth finger after separate stimulation of the median and ulnar nerves at the wrist, with the same conduction distance. 836

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Sensory nerve conduction velocities and difference between onset latencies were computed. A difference in onset latency more than 0.4 ms or the absence of the median SNAP is considered to be consistent with CTS. 3. Sensory short segment study [PALM3]: Sensory nerve conduction studies of the median nerve in the wrist to palm and elbow to wrist segments were performed antidromically. SNAPs were recorded from the third finger after stimulation of the median nerve at the palm, wrist, and elbow, respectively. Differences in sensory nerve conduction velocities between wrist to palm segment and elbow to wrist segments were calculated subsequently.13 Absence of SNAPs after stimulating the median nerve at the wrist, conduction block, or a difference in conduction velocity between the forearm and wrist segment greater than 17.6 m/s is considered to be consistent with CTS.13 4. Median nerve distal motor latency (DML): median motor nerve conduction studies were performed by stimulating the median nerve at the wrist and at the cubital fossa. Compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) were recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle with surface electrodes at a distance of 6 cm from the stimulation site at the wrist. A distal motor latency of > 4.0 ms is considered to be consistent with CTS. Ultrasonographic Evaluation. Ultrasonographic examination was performed by an experienced electrodiagnostic technician, using a Philips Diagnostic Ultrasound System (model iU22) with a 5–17 MHZ linear array transducer. The technician was blinded to the results of the preceding physical examination and nerve conduction studies. All wrists were examined in neutral position with palm up and fingers semi-extended. The median nerve was visualized approximately 7 cm proximal to the carpal tunnel in longitudinal and transverse planes to confirm identification of the nerve. No pressure was applied. The distal wrist crease was used as an external landmark. At the inlet of the carpal tunnel, which is defined as the proximal margin of the flexor retinaculum between the scaphoid tubercle and the pisiform bone, the cross-sectional area was measured by means of the direct tracing method. The inner margin of the hyperechoic sheath was considered to be the margin of the nerve. CSA calculations were performed automatically by the local ultrasound software program. The CSA of the median nerve was also measured at one-third the distance between the distal wrist and elbow creases. In all patients, the wrist circumference at the distal wrist crease was measured by a MUSCLE & NERVE

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FIGURE 1. Bifid median nerve at the right wrist with persistent median artery in the middle. Measurement of cross-sectional area by means of tracing method.

marking gauge and a measuring tape with a precision of 1 mm. Ultrasonographic and electrophysiologic studies were performed on the same day. The median nerve was defined as bifid when it branched into radial and ulnar fascicle bundles proximal to the carpal tunnel (Fig. 1). Color Doppler imaging was used to identify persistent median arteries and bifid median nerves. When there was doubt as to the presence of a bifid median nerve, a second electrodiagnostic technician with experience in neuromuscular ultrasound was consulted. Treatment. Patients were treated either nonsurgically by means of local steroid injection or volar wrist splints, or surgically. Knowledge of the presence of a bifid median nerve never influenced the choice of treatment. Surgical treatment consisted of outpatient standard open carpal tunnel release performed by an experienced neurosurgeon. In all patients, the flexor retinaculum was released. Outcome Assessment. At inclusion and at 6 to 9 months follow-up, patients completed a functional status scale and symptom severity scale of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Assessment Questionnaire.15 Also, at 6 to 9 months follow-up, patients completed a short questionnaire, which consisted of 4 final subjective outcome points: (1) full recovery; (2) partial recovery; (3) no recovery at all; or (4) deterioration. Statistical Analysis. Data concerning clinical variables, nerve conduction studies, and ultrasonography were processed using Microsoft Office Excel and Access 2010, and all statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Frequencies of bifid median nerves in patients and controls were computed. Means, mean differences, and standard deviation (SD) of the CSA of the median nerve were computed for both wrists separately. In case of a bifid median nerve, the cross-sectional area of the extra branch was added to the cross-sectional area of the main branch, CTS and Bifid Median Nerve

because the size criterion is assumed to be higher for bifid median nerves.1 By using regression equations based on left/right side and wrist circumference, we calculated how the observed (summated) CSA differed from the mean to obtain a Z-score. By definition, a Z-score of > 2 would be an abnormal result. The following regression equations were used: right side, Zright 5 (measured CSA 2 0.86 3 wrist circumference [cm]) / 1.45; and left side, Zleft 5 (measured CSA 2 1.06 3 wrist circumference [cm]) / 1.55. For a more detailed description of the regression equations, we refer to a previous publication.16 The upper limit of normal (ULN) of the CSA of the median nerve at the wrist, corrected for wrist circumference, is computed by the following equations: ULNright 5 0.86 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 2.1 and ULNleft 5 1.06 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 5.4 for the right and left wrist, respectively. Additionally, the difference between the CSA at the wrist and forearm17 and the wrist-to-forearm ratio18 were calculated. Comparison between patients and controls was performed with the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables or a v2 test for ordinal or dichotomous variables. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Electrophysiological severity of CTS was assessed and based on the classification reported previously by Padua et al.19 RESULTS

Ultrasonographic examination was performed on a total of 108 hands in 54 controls, 25 men and 29 women, mean age 39.8 years (SD 14.0). Two hundred fifty-nine patients with clinical symptoms of CTS were included in this study, 50 men and 209 women. The mean age in this group was 50.0 years (SD 13.7). The median duration of symptoms was 12 months. Of all patients, 139 (53.7%) had bilateral symptoms. The mean age and gender distributions were significantly different between patients and controls (P < 0.01). Incidence of Bifid Median Nerves in Patients and

Forty-one patients (15.8%) had a bifid median nerve, 6 of whom were bilateral (14.6%). Thus, in patients, a bifid median nerve was found in 47 of 518 wrists (9.1%). Ten control subjects (18.5%) had a bifid median nerve, all unilateral. A unilateral bifid median nerve on the left side was seen in 19 patients and 8 controls; however this difference was not statistically significant. Detailed data are listed in Table 1. A unilateral bifid median nerve was found in 27 patients (60.0%) in the nondominant hand and 18 (40.0%) in the dominant hand. This distribution was equal in subjects with either symptomatic or asymptomatic bifid median nerves.

Controls.

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DIG4: Median nerve SNAP was more frequently not recordable (from DIG IV) in patients with non-bifid median nerves compared with patients with bifid median nerves (101 [41.9%] vs. 3 [16.7%], respectively; P 5 0.035). Recorded from DIG IV, there were no significant differences in nerve conduction velocities and latency differences. PALM3: There were no significant differences in nerve conduction velocities of the palm-to-wrist segment. However, mean NCV of the digit-to-palm segment was significantly lower in patients with non-bifid median nerves compared with patients with bifid median nerves (47.8 6 7.4 vs. 51.8 6 8.5, respectively; P 5 0.033). DML: In patients with non-bifid median nerves, DML was more frequently abnormal compared with patients with bifid median nerves [181 (75.7%) vs. 9 (50.0%), respectively; P 5 0.016]. Moreover, mean DML was longer in patients with non-bifid median nerves (5.361.7 vs. 4.661.8, respectively; P 5 0.044). Detailed data are listed in Tables 2 and 3. Distribution of electrophysiological severity according to Padua et al.19 in patients with CTS with bifid versus non-bifid median nerve is shown in Figure 2. The distribution was not significantly different between the 2 groups of patients.

Table 1. Number of patients and controls with non-bifid versus bifid median nerves.

Bifid median nerve Bilateral Unilateral Right Left

Patients n 5 259

Controls n 5 54

Total n 5 313

Pvalue

41 (15.8%)

10 (18.5%)

51 (16.3%)

6 (14.6%) 35 (85.4%) 16 (45.7%) 19 (54.3%)

0 10 (100%) 2 (20.0%) 8 (80.0%)

6 (11.8%) 45 (88.2%)

0.135

In case of bilateral bifid median nerves (n 5 6), complaints occurred in equal distributions either unilaterally or bilaterally. There was no association between the side of complaints (if occurring unilaterally) and the side of the bifid median nerve (data not shown). Of all bifid median nerves found in patients, 33 (80.5%) were symptomatic. In 23 (69.7%) patients, complaints were present bilaterally, while both median nerves were bifid. Clinical Features. There were no differences in clinical features in patients with non-bifid versus bifid median nerves (gender, age, median duration of symptoms, atrophy of abductor pollicis brevis muscle, sensory loss, weakness of abductor pollicis brevis muscle, symptom severity, and functional status scale at inclusion), except for the higher frequency of weakness of the opponens pollicis muscle in patients with bifid median nerves (4.6% vs. 16.7% in patients with non-bifid vs. patients with bifid median nerves, respectively, P < 0.05).

Ultrasonography. Figure 3A and B shows the spread of the summated CSA of bifid and nonbifid median nerves according to the regression equation in controls for right and left wrists, respectively.16 In controls, mean summated CSA at the wrist (9.14 6 1.98 vs. 8.95 6 1.46) and mean Z-scores

Electrophysiology. DIG1: There were no significant differences in the number of abnormal tests, nerve conduction velocities or latency differences.

Table 2. Mean of nerve conduction parameters of median sensory and motor conduction studies in patients with non-bifid versus symptomatic bifid median nerves. Non-bifid n 5 241 Nerve conduction study DIG1 Median sensory NCV (m/s) Onset latency difference (ms) DIG4 Median sensory NCV (m/s) Onset latency difference (ms) PALM3 Median sensory NCV palm (m/s) Median sensory NCV wrist (m/s) Median sensory NCV forearm (m/s) Difference NCV forearm-wrist (m/s) DML Median DML (ms) APB CMAP amplitude (mV)

Bifid n 5 18

N*

Mean 6 SD

N*

Mean 6 SD

P value

180 180

34.2 6 8.2 1.19 6 0.67

16 16

35.3 6 6.8 0.99 6 0.46

n.s. n.s.

140 140

39.3 6 8.7 1.31 6 0.86

15 15

39.4 6 8.3 1.23 6 0.88

n.s. n.s.

200 191 176 175

47.8 34.1 60.7 25.9

17 17 15 15

51.8 35.9 60.9 23.6

234 239

6 6 6 6

7.4 10.8 5.3 9.5

5.3 6 1.7 9.8 6 4.1

18 18

6 6 6 6

8.5 10.7 3.7 8.8

4.6 6 1.8 9.5 6 4.1

0.033 n.s. n.s. n.s. 0.044 n.s.

*Number of patients may vary due to missing values or unrecordable SNAPs or CMAPs. n.s., not significant; NCV, Nerve conduction velocity; DML, Distal motor latency; APB, Abductor pollicis brevis muscle; CMAP, Compound muscle action potential; SNAP, Sensory nerve action potential.

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Table 3. Number of positive median sensory and motor nerve conduction study tests in patients with non-bifid versus symptomatic bifid median nerves. Non-bifid n 5 241 Nerve conduction study DIG1 No. of positive tests† Median nerve SNAP unrecordable DIG4 No. of positive tests† Median nerve SNAP unrecordable PALM3 No. of positive tests† SNAP unrecordable (wrist) SNAP unrecordable (forearm) DML No. of positive tests† APB CMAP unrecordable

Bifid n 5 18

N*

Mean 6 SD

N*

Mean 6 SD

P value

238 238

201 (84.5%) 58 (24.4%)

18 18

16 (88.9%) 2 (11.1%)

n.s. n.s.

241 241

219 (90.9%) 101 (41.9%)

18 18

16 (88.9%) 3 (16.7%)

n.s. 0.035

240 240 236

153 (63.8%) 46 (19.2%) 60 (25.4%)

18 18 18

11 (61.1%) 1 (5.6%) 3 (16.7%)

n.s. n.s. n.s.

239 239

181 (75.7%) 5 (2.1%)

18 18

9 (50.0%) 0 (0%)

0.016 n.s.

*Number of patients varies due to missing values. †

Including number of patients with unrecordable SNAPs or CMAPs.

n.s., not significant; SNAP, sensory nerve action potential; APB, abductor pollicis brevis muscle; CMAP, compound muscle action potential.

(20.03 6 0.96 vs. 20.14 6 1.00) did not differ significantly between non-bifid and bifid median nerves. The same applies to the CSA difference between the wrist and the forearm (2.27 6 1.66 vs. 2.06 6 1.77) and the wrist-to-forearm ratio (1.35 6 0.28 vs. 1.37 6 0.41) for non-bifid and bifid median nerves, respectively. In Figure 4A and 4B, for the right and left sides, respectively, the spread of the summated CSA of bifid and non-bifid median nerves according to wrist circumference in patients with CTS is shown.

Mean summated CSA (13.6 6 4.01 vs. 1.99 6 2.31; P 5 0.007) and Z-score according to the regression equation16 (2.94 6 2.65 vs. 1.99 6 2.31; P 5 0.008) are significantly higher in patients with non-bifid median nerves compared with patients with bifid median nerves. The difference in mean CSA was more pronounced for the right side (Table 4). The boxplot in Figure 5 shows the spread of the summated CSA of the bifid versus non-bifid median nerves in patients with CTS and controls. None of the healthy controls had a persistent median artery. A persistent median artery was present between the 2 branches of the bifid median nerve in 2 patients, both asymptomatic. One persistent median artery was seen in a patient who did not have a bifid median nerve, also asymptomatic. Figure 6 shows the distribution of the outcome according to the short questionnaire in patients with CTS and a bifid median nerve versus non-bifid median nerve. 51.5% of patients with non-bifid versus 28.6% of patients with CTS associated with a bifid median nerve had clinically full recovery after 6 months (P 5 0.003). The difference in treatment outcome according to the symptom severity score and functional status scale between patients with bifid and non-bifid median nerves did not reach the level of statistical significance (Table 5).

Outcome.

DISCUSSION

FIGURE 2. Electrophysiological severity according to Padua et al.19 in CTS patients with non-bifid median nerve versus bifid median nerve. CTS and Bifid Median Nerve

The prevalence of bifid median nerves has been described previously in surgical,2,6,20 MR,7 and ultrasound studies.1,8,9,21,22 Our study showed that the occurrence of bifid median nerve is equal MUSCLE & NERVE

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FIGURE 3. Summated CSA of the median nerve in controls with non-bifid versus bifid nerves according to wrist circumference.16 CSA 5 cross-sectional area. (A) Right. Dashed lines: 95% prediction lines. Dashed bold line: ULN 5 0.86 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 2.1. Dotted line: regression line equation y 5 0.86 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 5.0. (B) Left. Dashed lines: 95% prediction lines. Dashed bold line: ULN 5 1.06 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 5.4. Dotted line: regression line equation y 5 1.06 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 8.5.

in patients with CTS (15.8%) and controls (18.5%). This is consistent with data from a recent study by Granata et al.8 and indirectly from data from Walker et al.9 In contrast, however, Bayrak et al. found a higher prevalence of bifid median nerves in patients with CTS compared with controls (19 vs. 9%, respectively).1 Hunderfund et al. found the opposite: a greater number of bifid median nerves in the control group compared with patients (12 vs. 1.8%, respectively).23 Although they suggested that a bifid median nerve might be a risk factor for developing CTS, our pro-

spectively collected data do not support this hypothesis. We have no explanation for these observed differences. In healthy controls, the mean of the summated CSA of bifid median nerve was within our previously assessed upper and lower limits of normal for non-bifid median nerves.16 However, among CTS patients, the mean summated CSA was smaller in patients with bifid median nerves compared with those with non-bifid median nerves. This was also found in a previous study.24 This may be explained by the fact that only 1 branch of the

FIGURE 4. Summated CSA of the median nerve in patients with non-bifid versus bifid nerves according to wrist circumference.16 CSA 5 cross-sectional area. (A) Right. Dashed lines: 95% prediction lines. Dashed bold line: ULN 5 0.86 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 2.1. Dotted line: regression line equation y 5 0.86 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 5.0. (B) Left. Dashed lines: 95% prediction lines. Dashed bold line: ULN 5 1.06 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 5.4. Dotted line: regression line equation y 5 1.06 3 wrist circumference (cm) 2 8.5. 840

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Table 4. Ultrasonographic measurements in patients with CTS: non-bifid versus bifid median nerves. Non-bifid n 5 362 (wrists) N* †

Mean Z Mean CSA Right Left Mean CSA forearm Right Left Mean CSA wrist - forearm Right Left Wrist to forearm CSA ratio Right Left

358 362 193 169 362 193 169 362 193 169 362 193 169

Bifid n 5 36 (wrists) N*

2.94 13.6 13.6 13.6 6.31 6.27 6.37 7.29 7.30 6.37 2.20 2.22 2.18

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

2.65 4.01 3.66 4.40 1.17 1.21 1.12 3.89 3.58 1.13 0.69 0.68 0.70

35 36 18 18 36 18 18 36 18 18 36 18 18

P value 1.99 12.2 12.1 12.2 6.33 6.21 6.44 5.84 5.93 6.44 1.96 1.99 1.92

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

2.31 3.56 4.12 3.01 1.21 1.45 0.96 3.32 3.63 0.96 0.54 0.55 0.54

0.008 0.007 0.028 n.s. n.s. n.s. n.s. 0.006 0.041 n.s. 0.020 n.s. n.s.

*Numbers due to missing values. †

According to regression equation.16

n.s., not significant; CSA, cross-sectional area.

bifid median nerve is enlarged and that, as a result, the sum of their CSA may be within normal limits and produces a lower mean grand average in groups of patients. The summation of the components of a bifid configuration may thus cause underestimation. The results of Bayrak et al. differ from those of our study in that they indicate that CSA of bifid median nerve in controls is higher than of non-

FIGURE 5. Boxplot: Summated CSA of the (non-)bifid median nerve in patients with CTS versus controls. CSA 5 crosssectional area; CTS 5 carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS and Bifid Median Nerve

bifid median nerves.1 They suggest that, to diagnose CTS, higher cut-off values should be used in case a bifid median nerve is found. Our data do not support this suggestion. We did not find any relevant difference in clinical presentation of complaints in patients with and without bifid median nerves. However, in patients with a bifid nerve there was a higher frequency of opponens pollicis weakness. We do not have a satisfactory explanation for this observation. As demonstrated by others, we found a bifid median nerve relatively more frequently in the nondominant hand.1 Patients in the non-bifid group showed more profound electrophysiological abnormalities (more often absent DIG IV SNAP; significant lower mean NCV of median palm segment; more frequently abnormal DML; significantly larger DML values) as well as ultrasonographic abnormalities (larger mean CSA values). Bayrak et al. did not observe atypical electrophysiological presentation in patients with a bifid median nerve.1 Comparison of electrophysiological data between patients with bifid versus non-bifid nerves was not shown in that study. However, Granata et al. suggested that an atypical electrophysiological distribution may suggest the presence of a bifid median nerve.8 In contrast to the more profound electrophysiological abnormalities in patients with non-bifid median nerves, outcome according to the short questionnaire seems to be better, but not according to the differences in the symptom severity score and functional status scale before and after treatment. Because of the small number of patients with a bifid median nerve and available data of the symptom severity score and functional status scale before and after treatment, it is not possible to MUSCLE & NERVE

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FIGURE 6. Outcome according to short questionnaire in CTS patients with non-bifid versus bifid median nerve. CTS 5 carpal tunnel syndrome.

draw definite conclusions about outcome according to these measurements. In our cohort before surgery, the neurosurgeon was not informed about the presence of a bifid median nerve. All patients were treated according to the local protocol. Therefore, knowledge about the presence of a bifid median nerve did not influence the procedure. A potentially better outcome in the non-bifid group with more profound electrophysiological and ultrasonographic findings would be remarkable. One may speculate that in case of a bifid configuration, 1 branch is relatively spared and the other is compromised, leading to typical CTS complaints. As onset latency of evoked compound sensory and motor action potentials are determined by the fastest conducting fibers, the fibers with slow or blocked conduction in the compressed branch may be overshadowed by the first. As a consequence, in these patients conduction abnormalities may remain undetected. This is also illustrated in a case report in which preoperative electrophysiological studies suggested sparing of the thenar motor branch, which was confirmed perioperatively.25 The observation that outcome seems to be worse in patients with bifid median nerves may be an indication that the surgical approach in these specific cases should be different, as has been suggested by others.23,24,26 It is likely that, if 1 fascicle is not decompressed surgically, complaints persist. Another explanation may be iatrogenic injury to 1 of the compressed fascicles.27 To our knowledge, however, prospectively performed studies on different surgical approaches in CTS associated with bifid median nerve have not yet been published. First, the potential difference in treatment outcome and second, benefits of different surgical approach in patients with bifid 842

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versus patients with non-bifid median nerves, should be confirmed in future studies. This study has several shortcomings. Given the multiple comparisons and the small numbers of patients with a bifid median nerve, it is difficult to draw definite conclusions about electrophysiological data and outcome. Moreover, not all patients were treated surgically. However, equal percentages of patients with a bifid median nerve versus a non-bifid nerve were treated with surgery. Knowledge of the presence of a bifid median nerve never influenced the choice or method of treatment. Also, the neurosurgeon was not aware of the presence of a bifid median nerve preoperatively. So it does not appear that this explains the difference, if any. Another issue is that we have chosen to measure the CSA of the median nerve solely at 2 points. First, the median nerve was visualized approximately 7 cm proximal to the carpal tunnel in different planes. Second, the CSA was measured at the proximal margin of the flexor retinaculum at the inlet of the carpal tunnel where the nerve is visualized most easily23 and where the measurement is easiest to perform.28 It is known, however, that cut-off points, sensitivity and specificity values vary at different measurement locations. Moreover, measurement at the point of greatest enlargement has a risk of increased false positives.29 Because we did not identify the median nerve distal to the flexor retinaculum, it is possible that the number of bifid median nerves in our study is relatively underestimated. Finally, in patients, only the most symptomatic hand was examined electrodiagnostically, whereas both were examined ultrasonographically. In summary, ultrasonography can effectively disclose the presence of a bifid median nerve. Measuring the summated CSA, however, does not add any additional data for diagnosis of CTS and may lead to false negative findings.

Table 5. Outcome in patients with non-bifid versus bifid median nerves.* Non-bifid N*

Mean 6 SD

Symptom Severity Score At inclusion 193 2.90 At follow-up 193 1.72 Difference 193 1.19 Functional Status Scale At inclusion 186 2.28 At follow-up 186 1.68 Difference 186 0.61

Bifid N*

Mean 6 SD

P value

6 0.70 6 0.78 6 0.94

14 14 14

2.98 6 0.57 2.01 6 1.02 0.96 6 1.19

n.s. n.s. n.s.

6 0.78 6 0.76 6 0.95

11 11 11

2.27 6 0.45 2.15 6 1.00 0.12 6 0.78

n.s. n.s. n.s.

*Number of patients varies due to missing values. n.s., not significant.

MUSCLE & NERVE

November 2014

Electrophysiological and ultrasonographic abnormalities are more pronounced in CTS patients with non-bifid median nerves. Some of our data suggest that treatment outcome may be better in these patients compared with patients with bifid median nerve. We hypothesize that a lesion of one branch of the bifid median nerve may contribute to this phenomenon. It may also be an indication that surgical planning and the procedure should be different in this specific patient group. If so, it would be useful to know preoperatively whether a bifid configuration is present. Obviously, further study is required to determine this. At this moment, however, outcome data are inconclusive. We thank Mrs. T.T.M. Claessen-Oude Luttikhuis for performing the ultrasonographic examinations. REFERENCES 1. Bayrak IK, Bayrak AO, Kale M, Turker H, Diren B. Bifid median nerve in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. J Ultrasound Med 2008;27:1129–1136. 2. Schultz R, Endler P, Huddleston H. Anomalous median nerve and an anomalous muscle belly of the first lumbrical associated with carpal-tunnel syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1973;55:1744–1746. 3. Stancic MF, Eskinja N, Stosic A. Anatomical variations of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Int Orthop 1995;19:30–34. 4. Eiken O, Carstam N, Eddeland A. Anomalous distal branching of the median nerve: case reports. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg 1971;5:149–152. 5. Tountas C, Bihrle D, MacDonald C, Bergman R. Variations of the median nerve in the carpal canal. J Hand Surg Am 1987;12:708–712. 6. Ahn D, Yoon ES, Koo S, Park S. A prospective study of the anatomic variations of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in Asians. Ann Plast Surg 2000;44:282–287. 7. Pierre-Jerome C, Smitson RD, Shah RK, Moncayo V, Abdelnoor M, Terk MR. MRI of the median nerve and median artery in the carpal tunnel: prevalence of their anatomical variations and clinical significance. Surg Radiol Anat 2010;32:315–322. 8. Granata G, Caliandro P, Pazzaglia C, Minciotti I, Russo G, Martinoli C, et al. Prevalence of bifid median nerve at wrist assessed through ultrasound. Neurol Sci 2011;32:615–618. 9. Walker FO, Cartwright MS, Blocker JN, Arcury TA, Suk JI, Chen H, et al. Prevalence of bifid median nerves and persistent median arteries and their association with carpal tunnel syndrome in a sample of latino poultry processors and other manual workers. Muscle Nerve 2013;48:539–544. 10. Jablecki C, Andary M, So Y, Wilkins D. Literature review of the usefulness of nerve conduction studies and electromyography for the evaluation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Muscle Nerve 1993;16:1392–1414. 11. Witt JC, Hentz JG, Stevens JC. Carpal tunnel syndrome with normal nerve conduction studies. Muscle Nerve 2004;29:515–522.

CTS and Bifid Median Nerve

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MUSCLE & NERVE

November 2014

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Bifid median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome: do we need to know?

We tested the hypothesis that a bifid median nerve predisposes to development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and investigated differences in electrop...
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