Review article

Carpal tunnel syndrome - modern diagnostic and therapy

Tomislav Crnković ; General hospital Požega
Ranko Bilić ; Clinic of orthopedics from Medical faculty University of Zagreb
Robert Kolundžić ; Clinic of orthopedics, Medical faculty University of Zagreb

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compressive neuropathy in the human body, which is expressed by a deficit in the median nerve innervation area, with prevalence of 50 to 150 cases per 100.000 inhabitants. Symptoms depend on nerve compression duration and intensity. Sensibility disorders are the first and one of the most persistent symptoms, while motoric disorders arise in patients with prolonged nerve compression. Electroneurophysiological diagnostics is a "golden standard” in diagnosis setting, and it is
necessary to be done in every patient with a clinical doubt on carpal tunnel syndrome. Additional diagnostics means in atypical cases can be performed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance of the carpal
tunnel. Non-surgical treatment is reserved for mild forms of nerve compression, and in cases of syndrome in temporary conditions like pregnancy, lactation, taking oral contraceptives etc. The method of choice for persistent and progressive forms of carpal tunnel syndrome, as well for those who don't respond to the conservative treatment, is surgery. Decompression of median nerve is an efficient and secure procedure, which, in most cases, releases the patient from its symptoms. Procedure can be performed by an "open field”
method or via endoscopy, although, for now, no indicators on advantages of endoscopic technique vs. classical technique of an "open field” have been found, and iatrogenous damage of the median nerve are much more frequent in surgery via endoscopy. In everyday practice, the most important is early recognition of the carpal tunnel syndrome, and its timely and adequate treatment. On the contrary, unnecessaryprolongation of the condition leads to much more severe nerve damage, which diminishes chances for a
successful treatment and causes necessary economy losses.

Keywords

Carpal tunnel syndrome; diagnostics; therapy

Hrčak ID:

29482

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/29482

Publication date:

1.12.2008.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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