Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
A
Compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the wrist
2
Q
What are the borders of the carpal tunnel?
A
Formed by deep carpal arch + flexor retinaculum
Carpal arch
- concave on palmar side
- forms base and sides of carpal tunnel
- lateral = scaphoid + trapezium tubercles
- medial = hook of hamate + pisiform
Flexor retinaculum
- thick connective tissue
- forms roof of carpal tunnel
3
Q
Risk factors for developing carpal tunnel
A
Female Increasing age Pregnancy Obesity Previous wrist injury
4
Q
Clinical features of carpal tunnel
A
In median nerve distribution
- Pain
- Numbness
- Paraesthesia
5
Q
What is the sensory distribution of the media nerve?
A
Lateral palm
Palmar surface and fingertips of lateral 3.5 digits
6
Q
What are the specific tests for carpal tunnel?
A
TInel’s test
Phalen’s test
7
Q
What is Tinel’s test?
A
Extend wrist
Tap on median nerve
8
Q
What is Phalen’s test?
A
Hold wrist in full flexion
For 1 minute
9
Q
Management of carpal tunner
A
Wrist splint
Carpal tunnel release surgery
- decompresses carpal tunnel
