Nerve entrapment syndromes are common in instrumental musicians. Carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, and thoracic outlet syndrome appear to be the most common. While electrodiagnostic studies may confirm the diagnosis of nerve entrapment, they may be falsely normal in musicians. Non-operative treatment with instrument and technique modification may help. Involvement with the musician's teacher to implement appropriate treatment is recommended. Outcomes for both non-operative and operative treatment for various nerve entrapment syndromes have yielded mostly good to excellent results, similar to the general population.
Keywords: compression; entrapment; musician; nerve; neuropathy.
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