Carpal tunnel syndrome pathophysiology

Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is known as a common pathology in hand. Most common diagnosis of CTS is idiopathic but it is accepted that the median nerve neuropathy could be caused due to the chronic increased pressure within the carpal tunnel. But the exact pathophysiology of this pressure increase is not well known yet. CTS usually occurs due to the mechanical compression and/or local ischemia. CTS is diagnosed based on symptoms such as numbness, tingling and/or burning in the distribution of the median nerve in the hand. However, the symptoms are frequently documented outside the distribution of the median nerve as well.