Upper Limb compressive neuropathies Flashcards
Which nerve is affected in carpal tunnel syndrome?
Median nerve
Which fingers does parasthesia occur in carpal tunnel syndrome?
Lateral 2 1/2 fingers and thumb
What else cases through the carpal tunnel with the median nerve?
9 flexor tendons
FDS and FDP to 4 digits
FPL
What does FDS stand for?
Flexor digitorium superficialis
What does FDP stand for?
Flexor digitorium profundus
What is the most common reason for Carpal tunnel syndrome
Idiopathic
Name some other reasons for carpal tunnel syndrome
Rheumatoid - synovitis resuts in swelling and compression
Fluid retention - pregnancy, diabetes, chronic renal failure, hypothyroidism
What fracture is linked to carpal tunnel syndrome?
Colles fracture
- radius is displaced posteriorly
Symptoms of carpal tunnel
Pins and needles pain and clumsiness
Numbness and weakness in later stages
What is the Tinnel’s test?
Percussion over the median nerve to reproduce pain
What s the Phalens test?
Wrist held in hyper-flexion which recreates the pain.
What is the non- operative treatment and when is it used?
In mild symptoms.
Wrist splints and steroid injections.
Surgical treatment
Carpal tunnel decompression.
Division of the transverse carpal ligament under local anaesthetic.
High success rate.
What nerve is compressed in cubital tunnel syndrome?
Ulnar nerve
Where is the ulner nerve compressed?
Posterior to medial epicondyle
