Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
 

Author: Charis Hoppe, BSc
Affiliation: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Co Author(s): William Berrigan, M.D.
Senior Editor: Laura Mattson, DO

Clinical Vignette: 45-year-old female with intermittent numbness of the left hand in digits 1-3, worse at night, without significant weakness presents for ultrasound evaluation.

Type of Probe Used: 2-14L, RS85



Left carpal tunnel inlet short axis view.


Left carpal tunnel inlet short axis view. The median nerve is seen in short axis in the middle of the screen, with the cross sectional area measuring 17mm2.


Left carpal tunnel inlet long axis view.


Left carpal tunnel inlet long axis view. The median nerve is seen in long axis, crossing under the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) with the flexor tendons seen just deep to the nerve. The nerve appears widened/enlarged proximal to the ligament and tapered/narrowed as it crosses under the TCL; this can be termed an "hourglass sign" and is consistent with swelling of the nerve just proximal to the site of compression.

NOTE: For more information, please contact the AMSSM, 4000 W. 114th Street, Suite 100, Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 327-1415.
 

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