[1] If the median nerve is damaged, the ability to abduct and oppose the thumb may be lost due to paralysis of the thenar muscles.

Radiography images may show an abnormal bony spur outgrowth (supracondyloid process) just proximal to the elbow joint.

[9] A lesion to the upper arm area, just proximal to where motor branches of forearm flexors originate, is diagnosed if the patient is unable to make a fist.

More specifically, the patient's index and middle finger cannot flex at the MCP joint, while the thumb usually is unable to oppose.

[14] More recent literature collectively diagnose median nerve palsy occurring from the elbow to the forearm as pronator teres syndrome.

While the adductor pollicis remains intact, the flattening of the muscles causes the thumb to become adducted and laterally rotated.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can result in thenar muscle paralysis which can then lead to ape hand deformity if left untreated.

Patients with this syndrome have impaired distal interphalangeal joint, because of which they are unable to pinch anything or make and "OK" sign with their index finger and thumb.

If patients do have median nerve palsy, occupational therapy or wearing a splint can help reduce the pain and further damage.

While it is impossible to prevent trauma to your arms and wrist, patients can reduce the amount of compression by maintaining proper form during repetitive activities.

Patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, Physical or Occupational therapy, splints for the elbow and wrists, and corticosteroid injections as well.

[18] In pronator teres syndrome, specifically, immobilization of the elbow and mobility exercise within a pain-free range are initially prescribed.

If these requirements are met then certain factors need to be considered such as matching up the lost muscle mass, fiber length, and cross-sectional area and then pick out muscle-tendon units of similar size, strength, and potential excursion.

[citation needed] For patients with low median nerve palsy, it has been shown that the flexor digitorum superficialis of the long and ring fingers or the wrist extensors best approximate the force and motion that is required to restore full thumb opposition and strength.

[20] To restore independent flexion of the index finger could be performed by using the pronator teres or extensor carpi radialis ulnaris tendon muscle units.

All of the mentioned transfers are generally quite successful because they combine a proper direction of action, pulley location, and tendon insertion.

The next goal is strengthening and flexibility, usually involving wrist extension and flexion; however, it is important not to overuse the muscles in order to prevent re-injury.

If surgery is required, post operative therapy initially involves decreasing pain and sensitivity to the incision area.