Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Compression of the median nerve at the wrist.

Median nerve distribution

Sensory symptoms include numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and radial half of the ring finger.

Idiopathic

A condition with an unknown cause, commonly associated with CTS.

Paresthesia

Abnormal sensation such as numbness and tingling.

Tinel’s sign

A test that involves tapping over the median nerve at the volar wrist.

Durkan’s compression test

A test that applies direct pressure over the carpal tunnel and assesses for reproduction of numbness or tingling.

Phalen’s maneuver

A test where the wrists are held in maximum flexion for 30-60 seconds to check for symptom reproduction.

Thenar eminence atrophy

Muscle wasting of the thenar eminence, indicating advanced/chronic median nerve compression in CTS.

Neutral wrist orthosis

A splint that maintains the wrist in a neutral position to reduce pressure inside the carpal tunnel.

Iontophoresis

A modality that uses electrical current to deliver medication through the skin.

Phonophoresis

A modality that uses ultrasound waves to enhance the delivery of medication through the skin.

Pillar pain

Pain experienced on either side of the surgical release site after carpal tunnel release surgery.

Activity modification for CTS

Changes in daily activities to reduce repetitive wrist movements and forceful gripping.

Signs of mild CTS

Numbness and tingling (paresthesia), usually waking the person at night.

Chronic CTS symptoms

Advanced signs including thenar eminence atrophy, persistent median nerve compression, and dropping objects.

Conservative treatment for mild CTS

Includes activity modification, ergonomic changes, rest, neutral wrist orthosis, icing, and potentially cortisone injections.

Carpal tunnel release

A surgical procedure to increase space in the carpal tunnel and alleviate pressure on the median nerve.

Exercises following CTS intervention

Should include stretching, nerve-gliding, tendon-gliding exercises, and gradual strengthening.

NBCOT clue for CTS assessment

Key signs include numbness/tingling in the median nerve distribution and nighttime symptoms.

Memory chain for CTS

Nighttime paresthesia, weakness, dropping objects, thenar atrophy.