Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is frequently caused by median nerve compression inside the wrist, leading to progressive sensory loss and hand dysfunction. This is the most common entrapment neuropathy in outpatient clinics. CTS may have no identifiable cause, but it often accompanies various diseases and conditions, including rheumatic diseases, injuries, endocrine gland disorders, infectious diseases and occupational diseases. This issue affects numerous individuals, particularly people over 50 years old and those who perform repetitive hand motions. Aim The aim of this review is to explore, compare, and synthesize current evidence regarding the efficacy of conservative versus surgical interventions for CTS, including: splinting, steroid injections, rest, manual therapy, open surgery (OCTR), endoscopic surgery (ECTR), and US-Guided Release. All of these approaches have limitations and advantages; the choice of method is always tailored to the individual patient. State of knowledge Medical literature describes heterogeneous treatment methods, ranging from nocturnal splinting and localized steroid injections (conservative treatment), which is effective for symptom control in mild to moderate cases and generally used as the initial approach. Surgical treatment is considered when conservative treatment fails or in more advanced cases. Surgical carpal tunnel release remains the only definitive solution for severe entrapment. Data from 2024-2025 shows the increasing reliability of US-Guided release as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgeries. Summary The most important is early diagnosis by clinical and electrodiagnostic staging. Treatment should be tailored to the individual patient depending on their condition and the severity of their symptoms – nonsurgical offers immediate relief, but surgical intervention provides better long-term recovery and prevents irreversible axonal degradation in chronic cases.
Language: English
Topic: Peripheral Nerve Disorders
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220428279