Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Question 1

what is the carpal tunnel?

Answer 1

this is found in the wrist formed by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum

Question 2

which nerve passes through the carpal tunnel

Answer 2

median nerve

Question 3

causes of swelling in the carpal tunnel

Answer 3

idiopathic

secondary to fluid-retaining conditions such as RA, pregnancy, diabetes, renal failure, hypothyroidism or fracture

Question 4

presentation

Answer 4

parathesiae in thumb and radial 2 1/2 fingers
worse at night,
loss of sensation, weakness/clumsiness in thumb
muscle wasting in thenar eminence

Question 5

diagnosis

Answer 5

Tinel’s test (percussing over median nerve)
Phalen’s test (hyperflexed wrist)
nerve conduction studies

Question 6

managment

Answer 6

wrist splint to prevent flexion
injection of corticosteroids
decompression