carpal tunnel Flashcards
what is carpal tunnel syndrome
median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist in the carpal tunnel (a narrow tube of ligament)
symptoms carpal tunnel
o Numbness or tingling in the fingers (thumb, index and middle)
often first at night
o Fingers feeling swollen and cold
chronic: constant numbness
causes carpal tunnel
factors that increase pressure on medial nerve
trauma or injury of wrist
age
diabetes
repeated use of vibrating machinery
incidence carpal tunnel
1%-5%
more women
nonsurgical treatment carpal tunnel
wrist splinting
NSAIDS
corticosteroids (decrease swelling)
what does surgery for carpal tunnel do
cut ligament to free nerve
types of carpal tunnel surgeries
endoscopic surgery
open surgery
ultrasound guided surgery
outlook carpal tunnel
future looks bright, new techniques
more prevention with ergonomic tools
