Home | Free 14-Day Trial | Tutorial | Help

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Related Terms

Compression Neuropathy
CTS
Median Nerve Compression
Median Nerve Mononeuropathy

Differential Diagnoses

Brachial plexopathy
Cervical disc disorder
Diabetic neuropathy
Ganglion cyst of the wrist
Neuropathy due to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
Osteoarthritis of the thumb carpal-metacarpal joint
Polyneuropathy
Rheumatoid arthritis
Tendinitis of the wrist
Tenosynovitis of the thumb (De Quervain's syndrome)
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Toxic neuropathy
Tumor

Specialists

Ergonomist
Hand Surgeon
Neurologist
Neurosurgeon
Occupational Therapist
Orthopedic (Orthopaedic) Surgeon
Physiatrist
Physical Therapist

Comorbid Conditions

Diabetes mellitus
Obesity
Thyroid illness
Toxic exposures

Sign-in as a subscriber or take a free trial to see the renowned Reed Group physiological recovery durations in place of this advertising.

The ability (or lack thereof) to stop activities that increase the symptoms, the response to conservative treatment, and the ability to perform tasks while wearing adaptive splints may influence disability time. The endoscopic form of carpal tunnel release surgery, which involves smaller incisions, has a shorter recovery period but a higher complication rate, and final outcomes are the same, regardless of whether surgery is done by open "mini-palm" or by endoscopic technique.

Duration Trends from Reference Data

DURATION TRENDS

ICD-9-CM: 354

Cases	Mean	Min	Max	No Lost Time	Over 6 Months
9785	51	0	255	0.2%	0.4%

Percentile:	5^th	25^th	Median	75^th	95^th
Days:	12	27	43	67	123

DURATION TRENDS

ICD-9-CM: 354.0

Cases	Mean	Min	Max	No Lost Time	Over 6 Months
6161	55	0	217	0.1%	2.7%

Percentile:	5^th	25^th	Median	75^th	95^th
Days:	11	27	44	72	147

Differences may exist between the duration tables and the reference graphs. Duration tables provide expected recovery periods based on the type of work performed by the individual. The reference graphs reflect the actual experience of many individuals across the spectrum of physical conditions, in a variety of industries, and with varying levels of case management. Selected graphs combine multiple codes based on similar means and medians.

Medical Codes

	ICD-9-CM:
	354 -	Mononeuritis of Upper Limb and Mononeuritis Multiplex
	354.0 -	Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Median Nerve Entrapment; Partial Thenar Atrophy

Return to Work (Restrictions / Accommodations)

The individual may need to decrease tasks requiring repetitive wrist motion and extremes of wrist bending (flexion, extension) until the condition is resolved. Additionally, protective wrist splints may be used during work and sleep to maintain neutral wrist positions. Accommodation may be required at workstations, such as ergonomically designed computer keyboards to provide support for the individual's hand and wrist. If the individual has had surgery and the operated hand must be used for heavy activity, time off from work may be needed for several weeks for recovery. The individual may be required to avoid heavy lifting and repetitive motion for up to 2 months after surgery. Grip strength may continue to improve for 1-2 years after surgery.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor

Feedback
Send us comments, suggestions, corrections, or anything you would like us to hear. If you are not logged in, you must include your email address, in order for us to respond. We cannot, unfortunately, respond to every comment. If you are seeking medical advice, please contact your physician. Thank you!
Send this comment to: Sales Customer Support Content Development




This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is published with the understanding that the author, editors, and publisher are not engaged in rendering medical, legal, accounting or other professional service. If medical, legal, or other expert assistance is required, the service of a competent professional should be sought. We are unable to respond to requests for advice. Any Sales inquiries should include an email address or other means of communication.