Overview
Introduction
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist.
CNPLE
CNPLE
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. It is the most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb. Studies cited in the 2024 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guideline report an annual crude incidence of 329 cases per 100,000 person-years and an adult prevalence of 2.7–4.9%, depending on whether the diagnosis is clinical, electrophysiological, or both. For the nurse practitioner (NP), CTS is a primary care diagnosis that rewards a careful history and examination. Most patients can be diagnosed clinically, managed conservatively at first, and referred for surgery when the disease is severe or persistent. The NP's harder work is the minority who do not fit: the patient whose "carpal tunnel" is really a cervical radiculopathy, the patient with acute median nerve compression after a wrist fracture, and the older patient with bilateral CTS whose hands may be the first sign of cardiac amyloidosis. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) advises seeking diagnosis and treatment as early as possible to avoid permanent damage...
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