Scholarlink

<p>Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, frequently presenting with pain, numbness, and muscle weakness due to median nerve compression. However, diagnosing CTS becomes particularly challenging in patients with Congenital Thenar Hypoplasia (CTH), a rare congenital anomaly characterized by underdeveloped thenar muscles. The overlapping symptoms of CTH and CTS, such as thumb weakness, impaired hand function, and thenar muscle atrophy, can obscure the identification of median nerve compression. This review highlights the diagnostic complexities arising from this overlap and evaluates existing clinical, imaging, and electrophysiological assessment methods. While traditional diagnostic tests, including Phalen’s and Tinel’s signs, exhibit limited sensitivity in CTH patients, advanced imaging modalities like ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provide valuable insights into structural abnormalities. Additionally, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) enhance diagnostic precision by automating imaging analysis and identifying subtle nerve alterations. Combining clinical history, functional assessments, and advanced imaging, an interdisciplinary approach is critical to differentiate between CTH-related anomalies and CTS accurately. This comprehensive review underscores the need for tailored diagnostic protocols to improve early detection, personalised management, and outcomes for this unique patient population.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Diagnostic challenges of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with congenital thenar hypoplasia: a comprehensive review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月16日

查看全文
  • Hamed Naghizadeh,
  • Omid Salkhori,
  • Shahram Akrami,
  • Seyyed saeed Khabiri,
  • Aidin Arabzadeh

摘要

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, frequently presenting with pain, numbness, and muscle weakness due to median nerve compression. However, diagnosing CTS becomes particularly challenging in patients with Congenital Thenar Hypoplasia (CTH), a rare congenital anomaly characterized by underdeveloped thenar muscles. The overlapping symptoms of CTH and CTS, such as thumb weakness, impaired hand function, and thenar muscle atrophy, can obscure the identification of median nerve compression. This review highlights the diagnostic complexities arising from this overlap and evaluates existing clinical, imaging, and electrophysiological assessment methods. While traditional diagnostic tests, including Phalen’s and Tinel’s signs, exhibit limited sensitivity in CTH patients, advanced imaging modalities like ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provide valuable insights into structural abnormalities. Additionally, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) enhance diagnostic precision by automating imaging analysis and identifying subtle nerve alterations. Combining clinical history, functional assessments, and advanced imaging, an interdisciplinary approach is critical to differentiate between CTH-related anomalies and CTS accurately. This comprehensive review underscores the need for tailored diagnostic protocols to improve early detection, personalised management, and outcomes for this unique patient population.