title: Carpal tunnel syndrome - Part I (anatomy, physiology, etiology and diagnosis).
abstract: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is defined by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. It is the commonest of the compressive syndromes and its most frequent cause is idiopathic. Even though spontaneous regression is possible, the general rule is that the symptoms will worsen. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, from the symptoms and provocative tests. Electroneuromyographic examination may be recommended before the operation or in cases of occupational illnesses.
authors.affiliation: Hand and Upper-Limb Surgery Service, Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Hospital Lapeyronie, University Hospital Center, Montpellier, France.
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chammas
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Service, Italian Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Boretto
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Service, Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Lauren Marquardt
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Burmann
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Service, Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renato Matta
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Service, Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Francisco Carlos
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Dos Santos Neto
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Service, Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jefferson Braga
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Silva
keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome/diagnosis; Carpal tunnel syndrome/etiology; Carpal tunnel syndrome/physiopathology; Median nerve