nerve entrapment, an abnormal condition and type of mononeuropathy characterized by nerve damage and muscle weakness or atrophy. The peripheral nerve trunks of the body are especially vulnerable to entrapment in which repeated compression results in significant impairment. Nerves that pass over rigid prominences or through narrow bony and fascial canals are particularly prone to entrapment. The common signs of this disorder are pain and muscular weakness. Nerve damage by entrapment occurs more often when adjacent joints are affected by swelling and inflammation, such as in rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, and acromegaly. Signs of nerve entrapment also may develop after repeated bruising of certain nerves by various activities involving repeated motions, such as those associated with knitting and prolonged walking. Compare nerve compression. Kinds include carpal tunnel syndrome.
