Carpal tunnel syndrome: a review of the recent literature

Open Orthop J. 2012:6:69-76. doi: 10.2174/1874325001206010069. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

Abstract

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) remains a puzzling and disabling condition present in 3.8% of the general population. CTS is the most well-known and frequent form of median nerve entrapment, and accounts for 90% of all entrapment neuropathies. This review aims to provide an overview of this common condition, with an emphasis on the pathophysiology involved in CTS. The clinical presentation and risk factors associated with CTS are discussed in this paper. Also, the various methods of diagnosis are explored; including nerve conduction studies, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; diagnosis.; entrapment neuropathy; median nerve; pathophysiology.