Decompression of the median nerve at the wrist is a treatment for which condition?

• A. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• B. Ganglion cyst
• C. Tennis elbow
• D. De Quervain's tenosynovitis

Answer: (A)

Compression of the median nerve at the wrist causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Decompression, or carpal tunnel release, relieves that pressure by releasing the transverse carpal ligament, enlarging the carpal tunnel so the nerve and tendons can move more freely. This directly addresses the numbness, tingling, and weakness felt in the thumb, index, and middle fingers (and part of the ring finger). Other conditions listed aren’t treated with median nerve decompression: a ganglion cyst is usually managed with aspiration or excision; tennis elbow is a problem at the elbow affecting forearm muscles; De Quervain’s tenosynovitis involves the thumb-side tendons and is treated with splinting, anti-inflammatory measures, or injections rather than nerve release.