Carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes as the most common variants of upper extremity compression neuropathies

Abstract

Upper and lower extremity tunnel neuropathies are classified as the peripheral nervous system disorders and are quite common in clinical practice. The development of tunnel syndrome is associated with compression, entrapment of the nerve in the narrow anatomical spaces (anatomical tunnel). Sensory, motor, and trophic disorders are the main clinical manifestations of the nerve compression syndromes. The article describes the main upper extremity tunnel neuropathies, their names and affected nerves. The main common upper extremity tunnel neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome are considered in depth. The carpal tunnel syndrome is currently recognized as the most common peripheral neuropathy. Risk factors, gender and age characteristics, prevalence, incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital canal syndrome are presented. A scope of specialized skills comprising certain motions that can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome is presented. The clinical manifestations of these tunnel syndromes are described. Sensory, motor, and trophic disorders are the main clinical manifestations of nerve compression syndromes. The course and signs of carpal tunnel syndrome that can be divided into three stages are provided. The main diagnostic methods for the syndrome examination are shown. The article provides the main conservative and surgical methods for the treatment of these tunnel syndromes. It was noted that the cubital canal syndrome requires surgical treatment more often. The issue of using thiamine, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin and their combination for the treatment of tunnel neuropathies is considered in more depth. A clinical case of effective conservative treatment for the carpal tunnel syndrome is discussed.