Carpal Tunnel Flashcards Preview

Foundations II Exam 4 (Jess) > Carpal Tunnel > Flashcards

Flashcards in Carpal Tunnel Deck (9)
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1
Q

What is carpal tunnel?

A

Compression neuropathy involving the median nerve

MC compression neuropathy in the UE

2
Q

Risk Factors for carpal tunnel

A
obesity
pregnancy
diabetes
rheumatoid arthritis
hypothyroidism
workplace factors
3
Q

What happens in carpal tunnel?

A

Median nerve compression –>
inflammation –>
ischemia –>
nerve damage

4
Q

Clinical manifestations of carpal tunnel

A
  • vague aching that radiates into thenar area
  • pain w/ numbness in median distribution
  • dropped objects, cannot open jars
  • pain worse w/ repetitive motion or w/ prolonged stationary periods
5
Q

What is the best test sign to identify Carpal tunnel? What is it?

A

Flick sign

pt awakens at night w/ pain or numbness and needs to “shake out” hand

6
Q

testing for carpal tunnel?

A
  • inspection for thenar atrophy
  • opposition against resistance= weakness
  • sensation over median nerve
7
Q

What is Phalen’s test

A
  • inverse praying position
  • Wrist flexion reproduces symptoms

Positive test suggests median neuropathy

8
Q

What is Tinel’s sign?

A
  • percuss median nerve at carpal tunnel in wrist
  • reproduces pain and tingling

Positive test suggests median neuropathy

9
Q

Tx of carpal tunnel?

A
  • short-term course NSAID
  • PT
  • ergonomic modification to workplace
  • wrist splint worn at night
  • orthopedic surgery consult when pt has failed conservative care