Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Question 1

What does the palmar digital cutaneous branch of the median nerve supply?

Answer 1

Fingertips of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and lateral half of the ring finger

Question 2

What does the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve supply?

Answer 2

The palms

Question 3

Which part of the median nerve does not run through the carpal tunnel?

Answer 3

Palmar cutaneous branch

Question 4

What are the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 4

Obesity
Repetitive strain
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes
Acromegaly

Question 5

What are the sensory symptoms of carpal tunnel?

Answer 5

Numbness
Paraesthesia
Burning sensation
Pain
- All in the distribution of palmar aspects and full fingertips of the first three and a half digits

Question 6

What are the motor symptoms of carpal tunnel?

Answer 6

Weakness of thumb movements
Weakness of grip strength
Difficulty with fine movements involving the thumb
Thenar muscle wasting

Question 7

What is the primary investigation for diagnosis of carpal tunnel?

Answer 7

Nerve conduction studies

Question 8

What is the management of carpal tunnel?

Answer 8

Rest and altered activities
Wrist splints to be worn at night - minimum 4 weeks
Steroid injections
Surgery