Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Question 1

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 1

Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel

Question 2

What is the primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 2

Idiopathic

Question 3

What is the secondary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 3

Rheumatoid arthritis 
Pregnancy
Heart failure
Lunate fracture
Radial Fracture

Question 4

How does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome present?

Answer 4

Pins and needles in first three fingers (thumb, index and middle finger)
Thenar wasting
Weakness of thumb abduction (abductor pollicis brevis)

Question 5

How is the tingling in the first three fingers relieved?

Answer 5

Shaking the hand

Question 6

When is the tingling in the hand usually worse?

Answer 6

At night

Question 7

What 2 signs will be positive in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 7

Tinel’s (tapping-paraesthesia)

Phalen’s (flexion-symptoms)

Question 8

What is Tinnel’s sign?

Answer 8

Tapping

Check for paraesthesia

Question 9

What is Phalen’s sign?

Answer 9

Flexion

Check for symptoms

Question 10

How id Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosed?

Answer 10

Prolongation of motor and sensory action potential
Positive Tinnel’s
Positive Phalen’s

Question 11

What is the management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 11

• Wrist splint
• Corticosteroid
• Surgical decompression

Question 12

Which muscle is responsible for thumb abduction?

Answer 12

Abductor pollicis brevis

Question 13

What structure is divided in surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 13

Flexor retinaculum