MOC-PS(SM) CME article: self-assessment and performance in practice: the carpal tunnel.
OBJECTIVE
After studying the article, the participant should be able to: 1. Conduct an appropriate history and physical examination for a patient suspected of having carpal tunnel syndrome. 2. Understand the role of provocative and other diagnostic tests pertinent to the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. 3. Understand the goals of the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and how to obtain these. 4. Appreciate the common complications of carpal tunnel surgery and their management.


CONCLUSIONS
The purpose of this article is to review important aspects of the history, physical examination, diagnosis, and management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Associated diseases, predisposing factors, and prognostic features are explored. The significance of diagnostic studies and the variety of anesthetic techniques with which to perform the surgery are reviewed. Evidence regarding the different surgical approaches, such as the open versus the endoscopic, is examined. Postoperative care issues such as therapy and splinting are examined. Finally, complications of carpal tunnel surgery and their management are outlined.
Hentz
Vincent R
VR
Stanford, Calif.; and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada From the Robert A. Chase Center for Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Stanford University, and the Division of Plastic Surgery, Dalhousie University.
Lalonde
Don H
DH
D000758:Anesthesia; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D015897:Comorbidity; D039702:Current Procedural Terminology; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000453:epidemiology; D010808:Physical Examination; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013165:Splints