✋ Median Nerve Compression Mechanism Simulator

Normal Carpal Tunnel Anatomy

The carpal tunnel houses tendons and the median nerve in balance.

• ~8: Tunnel pressure (mmHg resting normal)
• 8: Carpal bones (form the tunnel floor and walls)
• 9: Flexor tendons (pass through the tunnel)
• ~4mm: Nerve diameter (median nerve at wrist)

Baseline tunnel structure

A short placeholder overview of normal carpal tunnel structure.

Flexor Tendon Sheath Inflammation

Synovial tissue around flexor tendons swells and thickens.

• ↑: Sheath thickness (synovial swelling increases)
• Repetitive use: Common cause (overuse tenosynovitis)
• variable: Volume added (depends on swelling level)
• gradual: Onset (weeks to months typical)

Inflammatory swelling

A short placeholder note on tendon sheath inflammation.

Tunnel Pressure Rises

Fixed tunnel volume means swelling directly raises pressure.

• ↑: Pressure trend (rises with swelling and strain)
• ~30mmHg: Threshold (symptomatic onset range)
• rigid roof: Ligament role (transverse carpal ligament)
• rigid arch: Floor role (carpal bones)

Compartment pressure buildup

A short placeholder note on rising compartment pressure.

Median Nerve Compression

The nerve is squeezed between swollen tendons and the ligament.

• flattened: Nerve shape (cross-section deforms)
• thumb-ring: Sensory loss (affected finger distribution)
• ligament edge: Compression site (most common location)
• often yes: Reversibility (if treated early)

Mechanical nerve compression

A short placeholder note on median nerve compression.

Ischemia and Nerve Dysfunction

Sustained pressure cuts blood flow, impairing nerve signaling.

• slowed: Conduction (nerve conduction velocity drops)
• numbness: Symptoms (tingling, weakness, pain)
• axon damage: Chronic risk (if uncorrected long-term)
• release surgery: Treatment (relieves ligament pressure)

Ischemic nerve dysfunction

A short placeholder note on ischemia and dysfunction.

A short placeholder highlight on carpal tunnel release outcomes.