As they pass trough fibrous, osteofibrous and fibromuscular tunnels, peripheral nerves from their origin in the spinal cord to their effector organ, risk compression, damage and impairment of their end function. Patients present with signs and symptoms usually associated with the motor or sensory function of the involved nerve. Careful linking of these signs and symptoms can indicate a specific compressive or painful pathology commonly known as a tunnel or canalicular syndrome, and very often known as entrapment compression neuropathy. While the names may vary, according to the compressed nerve, the anatomical area affected, the motion producing the compression or the name of the describing author, these syndromes all originate from the entrapment of the nerve elements in a narrow anatomical space. Narrowing can be caused by changes intrinsic or extrinsic to the tunnel. Patients present to their physician with symptoms that can range from vague complaints of diffuse pain or numbness to specific complaints of muscle weakness or of sensory changes over localized skin areas. A careful history and physical exam must be done prior to ordering tests, scans, or electrodiagnostic studies which should be used to confirm or clarify clinical findings. MR imaging will, with an increase in resolution and a refinement in application, be of use prior to surgical exploration. Treatment of nerve entrapment syndromes, whether conservative or surgical, must address the etiology causing nerve compression. Surgical decompression (open or endoscopic) remains the resort when conservative therapy fails. In this Symposium
