Article Sections

Introduction

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) refers to the neuropathic symptoms (eg, pain, paresthesia, weakness) caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow anatomic passage in the wrist bounded by the carpal bones (dorsally) and transverse carpal ligament (palmarly).  CTS is the most common compressive neuropathy.

Anatomy

Boundaries
  • The floor of the carpal tunnel ( Figure 1) is an arch formed by the 8 carpal bones.
  • The roof of the carpal tunnel consists of the transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum), which attaches to the carpal bones laterally (scaphoid, trapezium) and medially (pisiform, hamate).
Contents
  • The carpal tunnel primarily functions as a conduit for 9 of the flexor tendons that help bend the thumb and fingers during forearm muscle contraction.  The transverse carpal ligament helps prevent these tendons from bowing at the wrist.

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Figures

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