[Nerve compression syndromes of the upper extremity].

The nerve compression syndromes of the upper extremity, the common carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes are described, but also the less common entrapments such as thoracic outlet syndrome,suprascapular-, interosseus-posterior- and anterior entrapments and the Loge-de-Guyon and Wartenberg syndromes are mentioned. Besides history, symptoms and physical examination electrodiagnostic and imaging are necessary for establishing the correct diagnosis. The conservative treatment is less successful than the operative therapy. Surgical procedures and techniques are discussed as well as complications. The prognosis is in most cases good--provided that indication and technique were correct.