Table 2.

Physical Exam in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Physical Exam	Classic Presentation in CTS	Clinical Significance
Patient characteristics	Middle age female Obese	See Risk Factors in text.
Visual Findings	Thenar Atrophy	Thenar atrophy is predictive of CTS, but its appearance is rare.
Sensory Exam	Decreased Sensation in 1st through 3rd digit and radial side of 4th digit. Patient will report decreased sensation in the palmar aspect of the index finger when compared to palmar aspect of the index finger	Can help localize symptoms to the median nerve distribution.
Motor Exam	Weakness with pinch, grip, and thumb abduction	Patients may describe unintentional dropping of objects and clumsiness.