CURRENT CONCEPTS - ENTRAPMENT NEUROPATHIES OF THE UPPER EXTREMITIES

Numbness, painful tingling, or weakness may be the result of the entrapment of a peripheral nerve. These problems are encountered by medical providers of all types, and although common, they often lead to diagnostic and management difficulties. This review covers entrapment of three nerves at three sites. The pathophysiology of each of these syndromes is different, and there are corresponding differences in management. Several recent monographs provide further details1–4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Clinical Features Carpal tunnel syndrome is produced by compression of the median nerve at the wrist (Figure 1). Affected patients report numbness, tingling, and pain in… © 1993, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.