Carpal tunnel syndrome between two centuries

Compression neuropathy is one of the most frequently encountered conditions in a hand surgeon's daily practice. Median nerve compression at the wrist or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common of all nerve compression syndromes of the upper extremity1.3 and CTS has been used as a model for studying compression neuropathy (CN). This compressive lesion of the median nerve occurs in a tunnel located within the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Severe chronic inappropriately treated CTS can cause prolonged symptoms and lead to permanent nerve damage. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is currently among the most commonly performed surgical procedures on the hand in the United States. The profound economic impact of this trend is reflected by the escalating tangible and intangible costs associated with its management. This article contains current information and cumulative knowledge up to the turn of the century on the basic science, etiology, diagnosis, and management of CTS.