Highlights & Basics
- 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.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
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
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]
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