Carpal tunnel and other nerve compression syndromes

Speciality: General Surgery Age group: Adult

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed carpal tunnel and other nerve compression syndromes with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Acute development of peripheral nerve compression symptoms following trauma

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Neurogenic injury confirmed by nerve conduction study with either — severe disabling symptoms with weakness and wasting

Neurogenic injury confirmed by nerve conduction study with either — rapid progression

Neurogenic injury confirmed by nerve conduction study with either — unresponsive to at least 3 months of medical management (that is at least 2 of hand therapy, orthotics/splinting, ergonomic modifications, local steroid injection, oral steroids, alone or in…

Recurrence of neurogenic injury after surgical decompression

Usually managed in primary care

Diagnosis unconfirmed by nerve conduction study
Where at least 3 months of medical management (that is at least 2 of hand therapy, orthotics/splinting, ergonomic modifications, local steroid injection or oral steroids, alone or in combination), has not been trialled