Median nerve entrapment syndromes

Last revised by Avni K P Skandhan on 7 May 2021

Entrapment syndromes of the median nerve represent the median nerve being compressed at a number of distinct sites leading to a number of distinct clinical syndromes. 

Entrapment is but one of the gamut of pathologies causing neuropathy, albeit one of the more common etiologies and, more importantly for radiologists, one of the causes of neuropathy in which radiology can play a vital role in diagnosis. Entrapment syndromes, as a rule, affect nerves at defined anatomical locations, facilitating a more focused search for causative lesions. The three most common median nerve entrapment syndromes are: 

Rarely, the median nerve may be compressed by thickened lacertus fibrosusStruthers ligament, or Gantzer muscle.

This article gives a short overview of these three syndromes focusing on pertinent differences. For a more detailed discussion of each entity please refer to the individual articles. 

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Cases and figures

  • Figure 1: carpal tunnel syndrome
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  • Case 1: carpal tunnel syndrome
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  • Case 2: Kiloh-Nevin syndrome
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  • Case 3: pronator teres syndrome
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