Carpal tunnel syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy (prevalence about 1 in 25).
Females ages between 40 and 60 years are at highest risk.
Symptoms include numbness and/or tingling of the thumb and radial fingers, aching wrist, and clumsiness.
Physical exam mainly useful for ruling out other diagnoses.
Electrodiagnostic studies are useful in diagnosis and management.

Weak abduction of the thumb (4/5) on both sides but no thenar wasting

From the personal collection of Dr Nigel Ashworth; used with permission

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
- Other Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Treatment Options
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Weak abduction of the thumb (4/5) on both sides but no thenar wasting
Typical area of diminished pinprick sensation (posterior ) in CTS
Typical area of diminished pinprick sensation (anterior) in CTS; note sparing of thenar eminence (supplied by palmar branch of median nerve), and that right hand has more extensive loss than left

Citations

Key Articles

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of carpal tunnel syndrome evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Feb 2016 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Cartwright MS, Hobson-Webb LD, Boon AJ, et al; American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. Evidence-based guideline: neuromuscular ultrasound for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Muscle Nerve. 2012 Aug;46(2):287-93. [Abstract]
Ashworth NL, Bland JDP, Chapman KM, et al. Local corticosteroid injection versus placebo for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Feb 1;2(2):CD015148.[Abstract][Full Text]
Peters S, Page MJ, Coppieters MW, et al. Rehabilitation following carpal tunnel release. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Feb 17;(2):CD004158.[Abstract][Full Text]

Referenced Articles

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