A repetitive strain injury caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes between the ligament and the bones and tendons of the wrist is known as which condition?

• A. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• B. Tennis elbow
• C. De Quervain's tenosynovitis
• D. Cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer: (A)

Compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel at the wrist is the hallmark. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage formed by the carpal bones on the bottom and the transverse carpal ligament across the top; when swelling or repetitive use narrows this space, the median nerve gets pressed. That pressure produces numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the thumb, index, middle, and the radial side of the ring finger, and can weaken the thumb muscles over time. This matches carpal tunnel syndrome.

The other conditions involve different structures. Tennis elbow is pain at the outer elbow from tendinopathy, not median nerve compression at the wrist. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is inflammation of the thumb-side tendon sheath at the wrist. Cubital tunnel syndrome involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to symptoms in the ring and little fingers.