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Carpal tunnel syndrome Surface anatomy - normal wrist Compression of the median nerve Carpal tunnel surgical procedure

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Carpal tunnel syndrome

Alternative Names: Median nerve dysfunction Symptoms: weakness in one or both hands numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand wrist or hand pain in one or both hands pain extending to the elbow impaired fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint) atrophy of the muscular bulge under the thumb (in advanced or chronic cases) Signs and tests: During a physical examination, the doctor may identify numbness in the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb-side of the ring finger. Hand grip may be weak. Text Continues Below Tapping over the median nerve at the wrist may cause pain to shoot from the wrist to the hand (Tinel's sign). Bending the wrist forward all the way (Phalen's test) for 60 seconds will usually result in numbness, tingling, or weakness. Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity may be performed, showing decreased conduction across the wrist. Wrist X-rays should be obtained to ensure that other problems (such as wrist arthritis) are not the cause of the patient's pain.

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