What's New in Common Upper Extremity Entrapment Neuropathies

Upper extremity entrapment neuropathies are common and disabling, and correct diagnosis is essential for proper management. This article is a review of the recent developments related to diagnosis and treatment of common upper extremity nerve entrapments, including novel treatment strategies for suprascapular, median, ulnar, and radial nerve entrapments. When combined with classic peripheral nerve examination techniques, innovations in imaging modalities have led to more reliable diagnoses. Innovations in surgical techniques, such as endoscopic approaches, have been controversial as to their effects on patient outcome, but recent randomized controlled trials have provided important information regarding common operative techniques, particularly with regard to carpal tunnel surgery and ulnar nerve transpositions.