Carpal tunnel syndrome

Compressive neuropathy in the upper limb

Entrampment neuropathy or compression neuropathy is a fairly common problem in the upper limb. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the commonest, followed by Cubital tunnel compression or Ulnar Neuropathy at Elbow. There are rarer entities like supinator syndrome and pronator syndrome affecting the Radial and Median nerves respectively. This article seeks to review comprehensively the pathophysiology, Anatomy and treatment of these conditions in a way that is intended for the practicing Hand Surgeon as well as postgraduates in training. It is generally a rewarding exercise to treat these conditions because they generally do well after corrective surgery. Diagnostic guidelines, treatment protocols and surgical technique has been discussed.

Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 1 and symptoms reproduction in carpal tunnel syndrome. A validity study

The aim of this study was to estimate the validity of the Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 1 (ULNT1) for the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) with blind comparison to a reference criterion of a compatible clinical presentation and abnormal nerve conduction. 47 subjects with suspected CTS were enrolled. All patients were tested with nerve conduction studies and ULNT1. Considering results as positive in the presence of reproduction of symptoms on affected upper limb, or side-to-side differences in elbow extension, or symptoms modified by lateral neck side-bending, we estimated sensitivity as 91.67%, specificity as 15%, positive likelihood ratio as 1.0784, negative likelihood ratio as 0.5556, and post-test probability for negative test as 40%. Using a new criterion, i.e. the reproduction of symptoms only in the first three digits of the affected hand, we estimated sensitivity as 54.17%, specificity as 70%, positive and negative likelihood ratios as 1.8056 and 0.6548, respectively, and post-test probability for positive test as 68%. Our investigation suggests that the reproduction of the typical current CTS symptoms in the affected hand during ULNT1 testing, improves estimation of the probability of the presence of this condition, even if this test alone cannot be used to diagnose CTS.