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.