Proximal Median Nerve Compression: Pronator Syndrome

Pronator syndrome (PS) is a compressive neuropathy of the median nerve in the proximal forearm, with symptoms that often overlap with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Because electrodiagnostic studies are often negative in PS, making the correct diagnosis can be challenging. All patients should be initially managed with nonsurgical treatment, but surgical intervention has been shown to result in satisfactory outcomes. Several surgical techniques have been described, with most outcomes data based on retrospective case series. It is essential for clinicians to have a thorough understanding of median nerve anatomy, possible sites of compression, and characteristic clinical findings of PS to provide a reliable diagnosis and treat their patients.