Proximal Pain in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Seventy-two patients (90 limbs) with carpal tunnel syndrome had symptoms proximal to the wrist. Of the 49 of these in whom surgical correction was performed, 46 experienced disappearance of the proximal symptoms. Proximal slowing of median nerve conduction velocity occurred in 32 limbs, only 22 of which, however, showed proximal symptoms. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome should not be excluded because proximal symptoms are present. Nerve conduction studies can be helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis.