Acute carpal tunnel syndrome: a case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurology
• Occupational Medicine

Background:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition caused by median nerve compression.
• Repetitive hand and wrist motions are known risk factors for developing CTS.
• The typical onset of CTS is gradual, often developing over months or years.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old female presented with acute symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
• The patient reported intensive, repetitive use of her left wrist for two consecutive days.
• Symptoms developed rapidly following this period of high-demand activity.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a rapid, acute development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
• This suggests that even short periods of intensive repetitive wrist use can trigger acute CTS.
• The median nerve was likely compressed due to inflammation or swelling from overuse.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider acute CTS in patients presenting with sudden onset wrist pain and numbness, especially after intense activity.
• This case underscores the importance of ergonomic assessment and activity modification to prevent work-related upper limb disorders.
• Further research may explore the threshold of repetitive activity that can precipitate acute CTS in susceptible individuals.