Abstract

We determined fusiform expansion of the median nerve by a mass in a patient who admitted to our clinic with the complaints of swelling in the wrist, weakness of the fingers, and aggravating pain and tingling sensation at night. Surgical decompression revealed a fusiform expansion of the median nerve by the mass and an intact epineurium. The mass was completely removed by dissection. Pathologic examination revealed a lipofibroma surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule. The patient was symptom-free and complete remission of neurologic findings was noted on the last clinical examination at 20 months postoperatively. In conclusion, we think that intramural lipofibromas in the median nerve can be successfully treated with a precise surgery and respecting the nerve fibers.

Key words: Carpal tunnel syndrome, lipofibroma, median nerve