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Review
. 2023 Jul;43(5):1817-1831.
doi: 10.1007/s10571-022-01297-2. Epub 2022 Oct 10.

Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Genetics of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Review

Mahshid Malakootian  1 , Mahdieh Soveizi  1 , Akram Gholipour  1 , Maziar Oveisee  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Genetics of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Review

Mahshid Malakootian et al. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral canalicular nerve entrapment syndrome in the upper extremities. The compression of or injury to the median nerve at the wrist as it passes through a space-limited osteofibrous carpal canal can cause CTS, resulting in hand pain and impaired function. The present paper reviews the literature on the prevalence, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors of CTS in conjunction with the role of genetic factors in CTS etiology. CTS diagnosis is primarily linked with clinical symptoms; still, it is simplified by sophisticated approaches such as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography. CTS symptoms can be ameliorated through conservative and surgical strategies. The exact CTS pathophysiology needs clarification. Genetic predispositions to CTS are augmented by various variants within genes; however, CTS etiology could include risk factors such as wrist movements, injury, and specific conditions (e.g., age, body mass index, sex, and cardiovascular conditions). The high prevalence of CTS diminishes the quality of life of its sufferers and imposes costs on health systems, hence the significance of research and clinical trials to elucidate CTS pathogenesis and develop novel therapeutic targets.

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Conflict of interest statement

All the authors have read and approved the data presented in the manuscript and declared that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Predisposing factors that might be implicated in carpal tunnel syndrome
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Schematic view of the genes implicated in the regulation and modulation of the potential mechanisms involved in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Schematic flow chart of the search strategy
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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