title: Primary care referral protocol for carpal tunnel syndrome.
abstract: Carpal tunnel syndrome is an extremely common upper limb nerve compression syndrome, widely distributed in the community. There are a variety of treatment options which may be applied to the syndrome, depending on the severity of symptoms. Some options are available in a primary care setting, others require secondary referral. This paper is a detailed review of the available literature and provides a protocol that could be used to assist in the referral of patients from primary care.
authors.affiliation: Pulvertaft Hand Center, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, UK.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Hayward
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids