The records of five patients who had had a palmar mass associated with
altered sensibility in the distribution of the median nerve were reviewed
retrospectively. Three-dimensional imaging (computerized tomography or
magnetic resonance imaging) proved useful for establishment of the
diagnosis of a lipoma and planning of the operative procedure. Treatment
included release of the transverse carpal ligament, excision of the tumor,
and exploration of the carpal canal and the median nerve and its distal
digital branches. At an average of twenty-four months postoperatively, all
patients had a complete return of sensibility and resolution of the
discomfort.