Carpal tunnel syndrome has received a lot of attention recently in bot
h the medical literature and the lay press. This is due, in large part
, to increased recognition and treatment of this condition and its acc
eptance in the 1980s as being a work-related injury. The latter has be
en a source of confusion for patients and for many physicians, and sig
nifies a real need for a clearer understanding of the entity known as
carpal tunnel syndrome. This article addresses some of the current maj
or issues regarding carpal tunnel syndrome and provides answers to tho
se important issues.