Utility of Scratch Collapse Test in a Case of Failed Carpal Tunnel Releases

Utility of Scratch Collapse Test in a Case of Failed Carpal Tunnel Releases

The scratch collapse test can be used to localize areas of incomplete release or recurrent scarring in patients with failed carpal tunnel releases. The use of ethyl chloride to temporarily anesthetized the skin superficial to the nerve of interest and "freeze out" a postural response will identify "secondary" areas of compression. This patient presented with bilateral issues. The hierarchal scratch collapse test with ethyl chloride revealed in this patient (1) recurrent compression at the level of the carpal ligament release in the left hand and (2) an incomplete release both proximal and distal to the carpal ligament with distal antebrachial fascia in the right hand.

Table of Contents
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Hierarchy Findings of Scratch Collapse
00:55 Patient Examination
02:23 Scratch Collapse Test

Narration: Susan E. Mackinnon
Videography: Andrew Yee