RSI-Relief

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has adopted a new clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is among the most common disorders of the upper extremity, with a high disease burden and significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. Further, if the condition is diagnosed early, progression to irreversible damage to the nerve can be avoided in some patients. Proper diagnosis provides relief of the condition and minimizes such issues as healthcare costs and work time loss, while contributing to increased improvement in a patient’s daily functioning.

A workgroup to develop CTS treatment guidelines has been set up and work has begun on these guidelines, which may also include collaboration with other specialty societies.

The major recommendations for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome can be found at the AAOS’s Clinical Guidelines and Performance Measures page.

Founded in 1933, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the preeminent provider of musculoskeletal education to orthopaedic surgeons and others in the world. Its continuing medical education activities include a world-renowned Annual Meeting, multiple CME courses held around the country and at the Orthopaedic Learning Center, and various medical and scientific publications and electronic media materials.