Median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel—Functional response to experimentally induced controlled pressure

Controlled external compression was applied to the median nerve of 16 volunteer subjects. Tissue fluid pressure in the carpal canal was monitored with a wick catheter and pressures of 30, 60 and 90 mm Hg were induced for periods varying from 30 to 90 minutes. Sensory and motor conduction and two-point discrimination were continuously monitored. Tissue compression at 30 mm Hg caused mild neurophysiological changes and symptoms of hand paresthesias. Compression at both 60 and 90 mm Hg induced a rapid, complete sensory conduction block which consistently preceded a motor block by 10 to 30 minutes. Frequently, two point discrimination remained normal until the last stages of preserved sensory fiber conduction. In three cases, a modification of the model utilizing an arm tourniquet, demonstrated that ischemia rather than mechanical deformation was the primary cause of the functional deterioration. It was concluded that there is a critical pressure level between 30 and 60 mm Hg where nerve fiber viability is acutely jeopardized.