Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is a common presentation in Primary Care. This review of CTS on A4Medicine presents the clinician with pathophysiology with relevant anatomy displayed for easy reference. CTS is the commonest compression neuropathy of the upper limb. Presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome and examination is discussed - specific tests as the Phalen's, Tinel's and Durkan test are described. The differential diagnosis of CTS is mentioned and the clinician should exclude other causes as cervical radiculopathy and vibration white finger or hand arm vibration syndrome. The management of CTS is discussed and the role of interventions as lifestyle modification, physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections have been mentioned. Referral to trauma and orthopaedics should be considered if surgery is being contemplated. Visual diagrams of CTS, Phalen's test and Durkan's test have been shown to aid understanding.

Symptomatic compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the level of the wrist. Anatomical compartment bounded on three sides by carpal bones and on palmar side by transverse carpal ligament Contains ○ 9 tendons with synovial sheaths and ○ the Medial nerve- divides into recurrent branch and palmar digital nerves ( once passes through the carpal tunnel )Median nerve contains fibers from all five roots...