[Carpal tunnel syndrome. The most frequent pressure-induced peripheral nerve lesion]

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the term given to compression neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. It is the most common pressure-induced peripheral nerve lesion. It is typically associated with numbness of the index, long and ring fingers, and nocturnal brachialgia. The diagnosis is supported by the typical clinical symptomatology and the positive Hoffmann-Tinel sign, and is confirmed by the electroneurographic examination (ENG) of the median nerve, which can also be used for follow-up monitoring. During surgery, careful inspection and palpation of the carpal tunnel must be performed to detect such conditions as synovitis, anatomical variants and tumors.