Carpal tunnel and other nerve compression syndromes

Median/ulnar nerve compression confirmed on nerve conduction studies.

Full SRC reference

Eligibility

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

Neurogenic injury confirmed by nerve conduction study

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Acute peripheral nerve compression symptoms following trauma — refer to ED

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Severe disabling symptoms with weakness and wasting

Rapid progression of neurological symptoms

Unresponsive to ≥3 months of medical management (≥2 of: hand therapy, orthotics/splinting, ergonomic modifications, local steroid injection, oral steroids)

Recurrence of neurogenic injury after surgical decompression

Usually managed in primary care

Diagnosis unconfirmed by nerve conduction study
Mild carpal tunnel syndrome where ≥3 months of conservative management has not been trialled