Carpal tunnel syndrome: a review.

Compression of the median nerve in the crowded carpal tunnel is common and frequently incapacitating. Its causes and associated clinical conditions are multiple. Diagnosis is made by the typical history, three frequently positive physical signs at the wrist, and, if necessary by median nerve conduction velocity impairment. Most patients can be managed medically; when surgery is required it can be done usually without general anesthesia on an outpatient basis with gratifying results.