Carpal tunnel syndrome
Diagnosis & therapy
ÜBERSICHT
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome ( CTS) refers to a constriction of a nerve in the hand (nervus medianus) at the level of the wrist. In the area of the wrist, this nerve runs with the flexor tendons through a tunnel (carpal tunnel), which is formed by the carpal bones (=carpus) and a rigid ligament(retinaculum flexorum). The median nerve supplies the thumb, index finger and middle finger with sensation.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
A sensory disturbance of the thumb, index finger and middle finger is typical. This is manifested by the fingers falling asleep, a tingling sensation in the fingertips or a feeling of numbness.
How does carpal tunnel syndrome develop?
Swelling in the carpal tunnel area leads to additional constriction and compression of the median nerve. The swelling can be caused by regular tendonitis, an injury or other rheumatic diseases.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
The symptoms described above are typical and allow carpal tunnel syndrome to be recognized early on. During the clinical examination, the Carapa tunnel is directly tapped with one finger. This also causes a burning or electrifying sensation in the fingertips(Tinel-Hoffmann sign).
The diagnosis is confirmed with an electrophysiological examination. The so-called nerve conduction velocity (NLG) measures the speed at which signals are transmitted through the nerve. In the case of a pathologically altered nerve, transmission is slowed down. This makes the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome more objective.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
In the early stages, anti-inflammatory therapy can reduce the swelling and thus alleviate the symptoms. A night splint can also help to reduce swelling. If this is not successful, only surgery can help.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome operated on?
The flexor retinaculum described above is split along its entire length through a longitudinal skin incision of approx. 2 cm in the area of the wrist. This frees the nerve from its bottleneck.
Constant pressure exerted on the nerve over a long period of time also leads to pressure damage to the nerve. If you wait too long for the operation, the pressure on the nerve will be relieved, but the nerve will not necessarily be fully restored.
