Abstract
The Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression of the median nerve at the level of the wrist. Symptoms include pain and paresthesia, especially at night, and improves with arm elevation and movement of the hand. Treatment begins with rest of the hand, anti inflammatory drugs and nocturnal splint in extension of the wrist. If there is not improvement, a corticoid injection with local anesthesia into the wrist can be used with improvement of symptoms.
Surgery is indicated in failed orthopaedic treatment, when nerve conduction studies show pathologic changes or if a sensitive o motor deficit is demonstrated. Surgery relieves pain but does not improve previous sensitive and motor deficits.
Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome. Median nerve. Compression neuropaty.