Compressive Neuropathies Flashcards
Where will the symptoms and signs of compressive neuropathies affect?
The peripheral nerve’s sensory and motor territories
What is the most common upper limb compressive neuropathy?
Carpal tunnel
What forms the carpal tunnel of the wrist?
Carpal bones and flexor retinaculum
What structures pass through the carpal tunnel?
The medial nerve, and 9 flexor tendons
What are the flexor tendons which pass through the carpal tunnel covered with?
Synovium
Any swelling within the confines of the carpal tunnel may result in what?
Median nerve compression
Most cases of carpal tunnel are what?
Idiopathic
What conditions can cause carpal tunnel?
Rheumatoid arthritis, and any condition which results in fluid retention
Why does rheumatoid arthritis cause carpal tunnel?
Synovitis of the flexor tendons means there is less space in the tunnel
What conditions can increase fluid retention to cause carpal tunnel?
Pregnancy, diabetes, chronic renal failure, hypothyroidism
What traumatic injury is most likely to cause carpal tunnel?
Wrist fractures, especially a Colles fracture
If you get carpal tunnel when you are pregnant, do the symptoms go away?
Yes, usually after childbirth
Which sex is more likely to be affected by carpal tunnel? By how much?
Females, 8 times
How will patients with carpal tunnel present?
Paraesthesia in the median nerve innervated digits. There may be weakness of the thumb or clumsiness in the area of the hand supplied by the median nerve.
What are the median nerve innervated digits?
The thumb, and the radial 2 and a half fingers (half of ring finger nearest to middle finger)