Clinical examination for carpal tunnel syndrome
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* Alex MacIntyre

Thenar wasting is not mentioned in the *CMAJ* clinical update on carpal tunnel syndrome.1 However, it may be obvious on one or both sides — particularly in elderly people — and it can even reduce the thenar bulk of the heavy labourer's typically more muscular dominant side so that it matches that of the other side. Thenar wasting is associated with detectable loss of muscle power. These signs are common, reliable and easily elicited at the bedside.

## Reference

1.  1. Myers KA. Utility of the clinical examination for carpal tunnel syndrome. CMAJ 2000;163(5):605.
    
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