Tunnel syndrome

A tunnel syndrome refers to pain, paresthesia and weakness due to neurovascular compression, friction or traction within a confined anatomical passageway. The tunnel may be bordered by bone, muscle or tendoligamentous structures or a combination of these.

Various specific syndromes exist and are discussed separately:

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• tarsal tunnel syndrome
• cubital tunnel syndrome
• radial tunnel syndrome
• Guyon’s canal syndrome
• spinoglenoid notch syndrome

In these syndromes, imaging supports clinical assessment including electromyography (EMG) and/or nerve conduction studies.