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Carpal tunnel syndrome — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyAmbulatory Medicine / Primary CareCarpal tunnel syndromeUSMLE Step 3

A 52-year-old woman has progressive hand numbness that wakes her at night. Symptoms improve when she shakes her hand. She types for work. Examination shows decreased sensation over the thumb, index, and middle fingers and thenar weakness. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Carpal tunnel syndrome

Nocturnal paresthesias in the median nerve distribution with thenar weakness are typical of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Reference: AAOS carpal tunnel syndrome guidance; USMLE Step 3 Content Outline