Carpal tunnel syndrome

Most common entrapment neuropathy (prevalence about 1 in 25).

Females aged 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 examination mainly useful for ruling out other diagnoses.

Electrodiagnostic studies are useful in diagnosis and management.

Treatment options range from wrist splints through to surgical release.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a collection of symptoms and signs caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Typical symptoms include numbness and tingling mainly in the thumb and radial fingers, aching and pain in the anterior wrist and forearm, and clumsiness in the hand.