Mimickers of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

JBJS Rev · Feb 2020 · Review

Dengler J, Stephens JD, Bamberger HB, Moore AM

Kettering Health Network Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Dayton, Ohio

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONReview highlights conditions that mimic carpal tunnel syndrome, emphasizing careful history, exam, and electrodiagnostic testing to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery.
Abstract, as published

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression neuropathy. Despite the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, many other conditions present with similar symptoms (numbness, tingling, thenar atrophy, and weakness). Carpal tunnel syndrome is differentiated from other etiologies through a detailed history and physical examination, aided by electrodiagnostic and adjunctive imaging studies. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary operative procedures and persistent symptoms.

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