Acute carpal tunnel syndrome as a complication of oral anticoagulant therapy

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome is well recognized in patients with haemophilia and conservative management with factor replacement and temporary splinting is recommended. There have, however, been very few reported cases of acute carpal tunnel syndrome as a complication of oral anticoagulant therapy. We describe such a case in a patient on long-term warfarin anticoagulation, drawing attention to particular features of the history and clinical findings. In contrast to previous reports, we recommend prompt decompression under local anaesthesia and continuation of the anticoagulant therapy.