Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2-1-2025
Abstract
We present a case of acute carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to tight handcuffs in a detained patient. The severity of the motor and sensory deficits prompted consultation with orthopedic specialists and admission for an observation period with ultimate emergency operative intervention. Handcuff neuropathies are well documented in the literature, mainly involving the superficial branch of the radial nerve, which has strict sensory input into the dorsum of the hand. Less common median nerve neuropathies have also been documented following handcuff injury; however, none have required emergency intervention. We aim to highlight this unusual presentation and the emergency nature of the condition, as well as advocate for increased caution when caring for detained patients in the emergency department.
Recommended Citation
Jano, Fabian; MacKenzie, Kelly; Biololikar, Vivek; Goldberger, David; and Tuluca, Andrei, "Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Secondary to Handcuffs Necessitating Emergency Orthopedic Consultation and Operative Intervention" (2025). Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers. Paper 256.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/emfp/256
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Language
English
Comments
This article is the author's final published version in JACEP Open, Volume 6, Issue 1, February 2025, Article number 100013.
The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acepjo.2024.100013.