BMJ  2007;335:343-346 (18 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.39282.623553.AD

Clinical Review

Clinical Review

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury CT1 3NG

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the commonest cause of nocturnal hand paraesthesias and should be suspected in any patient with this symptom, whatever age Initial treatment should be with neutral angle splinting at night; milder cases may be treated with local steroid injection before further investigation Refer more severe cases—those with thenar weakness, sensory deficit, and daytime symptoms—for nerve conduction studies and possible surgery Either open or endoscopic surgery may be used depending on availability of local expertise

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the commonest peripheral nerve problem in the United Kingdom and has considerable employment and healthcare costs. If recognised early it is readily treatable. No established UK guidelines exist for diagnosis and management, but the American Academy of Neurology issued guidelines in 1993, which remain current as no major recent advances have occurred.¹

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compromise of median nerve function at the wrist caused by increased . . . [Full text of this article]

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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Carpal Tunnel? Check the neck!

Dr A Breck McKay
bmj.com, 18 Aug 2007 [Full text]

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a clinical syndrome

Sidha Sambandan
bmj.com, 18 Aug 2007 [Full text]

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Should Be Ruled Out in All Cases Diagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrme

Carlos A Selmonosky.MD
bmj.com, 19 Aug 2007 [Full text]

carpal tunnel syndrome is a clinical diagnosis

peter j mahaffey
bmj.com, 22 Aug 2007 [Full text]

CTS no occupational disease?

P. Paul F.M. Kuijer
bmj.com, 22 Aug 2007 [Full text]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients on Dialytic Therapy

Chandra Mauli Jha
bmj.com, 23 Aug 2007 [Full text]

Real life management of CTS in UK General Practice

Stephen Longworth
bmj.com, 28 Aug 2007 [Full text]

Authors reply

Jeremy D P Bland
bmj.com, 28 Aug 2007 [Full text]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

NAZAR R DESSOUKI
bmj.com, 28 Aug 2007 [Full text]

Authors reply (2)

Jeremy D P Bland
bmj.com, 30 Aug 2007 [Full text]

Re: Authors reply (1) & (2)

Sidha Sambandan
bmj.com, 11 Sep 2007 [Full text]

Author's replly (3)

Jeremy D P Bland
bmj.com, 13 Sep 2007 [Full text]

Real life (surgical!)management of CTS in General Practice

John P Rine
bmj.com, 14 Sep 2007 [Full text]

Compression theorem is built on sand riddled with holes.

Ibrahim,M. Khan
bmj.com, 27 Sep 2007 [Full text]

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