ABSTRACT
Media attention to nerve compression in the upper extremities has dramatically increased the number of patients presenting to physicians’ offices. While multiple etiologies for tunnel syndromes exist, recent literature has emphasized occupation-induced compression. Losing considerable productivity to tunnel syndromes, employers have sought to use pre-employment screening and job assessments by physicians and occupational therapists to decrease their vulnerability to Workman’s Compensation claims. Unfortunately, the long course of the nerves to the hands places them at risk in diverse locations and from various actions. This vulnerability complicates the physician’s task of identifying the location and treating the compressive cause of the tunnel syndrome. Additionally, the compression may be unrelated to the patient’s occupation.
