scholarly journals A Survey of the Use of Ultrasound by Upper Extremity Surgeons

Hand ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
William L. Wang ◽  
Kevin Kruse ◽  
John R. Fowler

Background: Ultrasound is a versatile imaging modality that can be used by upper extremity surgeons for diagnostic purposes and guided injections. The perceptions of ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment among upper extremity surgeons and its barriers for adoption have not been formally surveyed. The purpose of this study is to determine the current usage of musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnostic purposes and guided injections by upper extremity surgeons and their reasons for using it or not using it in practice. Methods: A 22-question survey was distributed to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). The survey questions consisted of respondent characteristic questions and questions pertaining to the use of ultrasound. Chi-square analysis was performed to assess for a difference in ultrasound usage across respondent characteristics. Results: Three hundred four (43%) answered that they have an ultrasound machine in their office; Fifty-one percent (362) of the respondents use ultrasound for diagnostic purposes. Fifty-five (8%) of the survey respondents use ultrasound to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome; 168 (23.5%) respondents reported that they use ultrasound for guided injections. There was a statistically significant difference between access to an ultrasound machine in the office by practice setting and use of ultrasound for diagnostic purposes by practice setting. Conclusions: The use of ultrasound by upper extremity surgeons is split for diagnostic purposes, with fewer surgeons using ultrasound to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and guided injections. Ultrasound machine availability and the use of ultrasound for diagnosis appear to be influenced by practice setting.

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Gamalludin AlKaphoury ◽  
Eman Farouk Dola

Abstract BackgroundPeripheral neuropathy evaluation depends mainly on physical examination, patient history, electrophysiological studies, with evoked potential abnormalities. High-resolution US has the advantage of being fast, non-invasive modality with nerve dynamic assessment allowing examination of long part of nerve. MR imaging serve better in examination of deeper nerves with higher contrast resolution. It shows great benefit in patient with atypical presentation, Equivocal diagnosis and suspicious of secondary cause and post-surgical relapse.MethodsThis study was conducted prospectively on 32 patients, presented with carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed by electrophysiological tests. Superficial US of the wrist joint was done to all participants followed by MRI within 1 weeks of the US.We aimed to assess the measurements & criteria of both US & MRN in diagnosis of CTS, depending mainly on the three-measurement assessed by Buchberger et al., then to find the agreement between US & MR Neurography (MRN)ResultsUs proved to have higher rate of CTS prediction, the three main parameters CSA measurement, distal nerve flattening and flexor retinaculum bowing indices showed positive occurrence of 93.7%,59.4% &59.4% respectively. While we found that decreased nerve echotexture was positive in 90.6% of patients.Regarding MRI it showed less diagnostic ability when using CSA measurement as it was positive in 81.2% of patients, also distal tunnel nerve increased flattening and bowed flexor retinaculum positive results were slightly decreased to 56.2% for each. In contrast to high T2 signal of median nerve which was positive in 90.6% of patients.In agreement study, we found statically significant difference supporting US as the primary diagnostic modality of CTS depending mainly on the three measurement CSA, Flattening and bowing indices. Yet, for cases of secondary CTS and detection of underlying entrapping cause as well as innervated muscle early abnormality detection and better tissue characterization, MRI was better diagnostic modality with statistically significant difference. ConclusionsOur results proved that ultrasound examination can be used as first imaging modality after physician evaluation with comparable results to electrophysiological studies in evaluating CTS and try to find the cause. MRN examination came as second step in patients with suspected muscle denervation changes that could not be elicited by US or equivocal cases for detection of secondary cause in clinically suspected patient.


Author(s):  
Ahmed M. Ahmed ◽  
Osama G. Hassan ◽  
Ahmed A. Khalifa

Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common upper limb entrapment neuropathy; severe cases are treated surgically and mild to moderate can be managed conservatively. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to define the efficacy of gabapentin as an adjuvant to splinting in the treatment of mild to moderate CTS. Methods A systematic search through 13 databases, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting the use of gabapentin with splinting in CTS were included and analyzed. Results Three RCTs including 170 patients were eligible. There was no significant difference between gabapentin plus splinting and splinting alone in 5 measured parameters: (1) Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) [MD (95% CI) = − 0.76 (− 2.46–0.93), p = 0.378], (2) Functional Status Scale (FSS) [MD (95% CI) = − 0.23 (− 1.40–0.94), p = 0.701], (3) visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess pain [MD (95% CI) = − 0.6 (− 1.47–0.27), p = 0.174], (4) Grip strength [MD (95% CI) = − 0.11 (− 0.70–0.48), p = 0.718], and (5) pinch strength [MD (95% CI) = 0.72 (− 0.10–1.54), p = 0.083]. Conclusion This review provides low-quality evidence that gabapentin plus nocturnal splinting is not superior to splinting alone. More high-quality trials are needed to determine the role of this drug as an adjuvant in the management of CTS.


Hand Surgery ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 02 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Akihiko Asami ◽  
Tsu-Min Tsai ◽  
Beng-Hai Lim

2000 ◽  
Vol 58 (2A) ◽  
pp. 252-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOAO ARIS KOUYOUMDJIAN ◽  
MARIA DA PENHA ANANIAS MORITA ◽  
PAULO RICARDO FERNANDO ROCHA ◽  
RAFAEL CARLOS MIRANDA ◽  
GUSTAVO MACIEL GOUVEIA

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been correlated to body mass index (BMI) increase. The present study was done in a Brazilian population to compare BMI values in the following groups: first, CTS vs. controls subjects, and, second CTS groups of increasing median sensory latency (MSL). According to MSL > or = 3.7 ms (wrist-index finger, 14 cm), median/ulnar sensory latency difference > or = 0.5 ms (ring finger, 14 cm) or median palm-to-wrist (8 cm) latency > or = 2.3 ms (all peak-measured), 141 cases (238 hands) had CTS confirmation. All were symptomatic; previous surgery and polyneuropathy were excluded; mean age 50.3; 90.8% female. Controls subjects (n=243; mean age 43.0; 96.7% female) and CTS cases had BMI calculated (kg/m²). Controls subjects had a mean BMI of 25.43±4.80 versus 28.38±4.69 of all CTS cases, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The CTS groups of increasing MSL severity do not show additional increase in BMI (28.44 for incipient, 28.27 for mild, 28.75 for moderate and 29.0 for severe). We conclude that CTS cases have a significant correlation with higher BMI when compared to controls subjects; however, higher BMI do not represent a statistically significant increasing risk for more severe MSL.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 41-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Bacle ◽  
Emilie Marteau ◽  
Philippe Corcia ◽  
Pascal Garaud ◽  
Jacky Laulan

Background: Causality has not been formally demonstrated between carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis of the wrist or at the base of the thumb. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and concomitant degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist or basal thumb joint. We hypothesised that wrist osteoarthritis by reducing the free volume of the carpal tunnel would be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, while basal thumb osteoarthritis would show no direct correlation with carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: A case-control study including 95 cases and 99 control subjects, has been carried out. Sixty-eight per group were matched for age and sex. Posterior-anterior and lateral plain wrist radiographs for the two matched groups were analysed. Results: Except for scaphotrapeziotrapezoid location, degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist was significantly linked with carpal tunnel syndrome, whereas there was no significant difference between case and control groups for prevalence of basal osteoarthritis of the thumb. Conclusions: These results suggest that basal osteoarthritis of the thumb is not a causal factor in carpal tunnel syndrome. In contrast, degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist was strongly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, suggesting a causal relation.


2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Song ◽  
H. S. Gong ◽  
K. J. Bae ◽  
J. H. Kim ◽  
K. P. Nam ◽  
...  

As carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women, particularly around the menopause, female-related risk factors are suspected to play a role in its pathogenesis. We have assessed whether female hormone-related symptoms are associated with upper extremity disabilities in women undergoing carpal tunnel release. A total of 92 women with a mean age of 53 years scheduled for surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome were assessed preoperatively for female hormone-related symptoms using the menopausal rating scale and other female-related factors such as menopausal status, pregnancy number and serum female hormone levels. Upper extremity disability was evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. DASH scores had a moderate correlation with total menopausal rating scale scores, but not with other female-related factors assessed. This study suggests that female hormone-related symptoms are associated with subjective upper extremity disabilities in women with carpal tunnel syndrome. This information may be helpful in addressing patients’ complex symptoms or interpretation of outcomes in women with carpal tunnel syndrome.


1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. E4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence H. Phillips ◽  
Vern C. Juel

Electrodiagnostic testing in patients who have upper-extremity symptoms, which may include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), has been the gold standard for diagnosis for many years. Depite their value, these tests are underutilized. The authors examined the use patterns of electrodiagnostic testing at the University of Virginia by reviewing the records of the Electromyography Laboratory for the calendar year 1994. Studies in patients with CTS comprised 15% of the 1626 studies performed during that time. The mononeuropathy was mild in the majority of cases and most of the patients were referred for testing by specialists. There was a clear referral bias on the part of the primary care physicians, and the severity of mononeuropathy in the patients they referred for testing was significantly greater than in patients referred by specialists. The data indicate that electrodiagnostic testing has clear value in the evaluation of patients who have upper-extremity symptoms. Despite this fact, primary care physicians appear to underutilize electrodiagnostic testing.


2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 426-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adham do Amaral e Castro ◽  
Thelma Larocca Skare ◽  
Paulo Afonso Nunes Nassif ◽  
Alexandre Kaue Sakuma ◽  
Bruno Luiz Ariede ◽  
...  

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in candidates for bariatric surgery comparing with the non-obese population and verify the effects on it of bariatric treatment. Methods:We studiedthree groups of individuals: 1) patients waiting for bariatric surgery (preoperative); 2) individuals who had already undergone the procedure (postoperative); and 3) control group. We collected demographic and clinical data of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Ultrasound examination was carried out to diagnose the syndrome by measuring the median nerve area. Results:We included 329 individuals (114 in the preoperative group, 90 in the postoperative group and 125 controls). There was a higher prevalence of paresthesias (p=0.0003), clinical tests (p=0.0083) on the preoperative group when compared with controls (p<0.00001). There were lowe levels of paresthesias (p=0.0002) and median nerve area (p=0.04) in postoperative patients but with no significant difference in general. A significant difference was found between the preoperative and postoperative groups (p=0.05) in those who performed non-manual work.Conclusion: There was a higher prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in the preoperative group compared with the control one, but no significant difference was observed between the pre and postoperative groups in general. There was difference between pre and postoperative groups for non-manual workers.


2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 568-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. CHAISE ◽  
P. BELLEMÈRE ◽  
J. P. FRIL ◽  
E. GAISNE ◽  
P. POIRIER ◽  
...  

Aim of the study To evaluate the connection between the type of patient insurance and the time taken to return to work after carpal tunnel surgery. Patients and methods Two hundred and thirty-three patients in full-time work were operated on for carpal tunnel syndrome between 1 January and 30 June 1998. They were divided into three groups: independent workers ( n=87), wage earners in the private sector ( n=90) and civil servants ( n=56). Four categories were defined: manual workers, non-manual workers, patients with social security insurance and patients with workers compensation. The average return-to-work interval after surgery for each of the groups was evaluated and compared group by group. Results For independent workers the average time off work is 17 days, for those in the private sector it is 35 days, and for civil servants it is 56 days. Patients with social security insurance were off work for 32 days and those with workers compensation for 49 days. Discussion The comparison shows significant differences with regard to social security insurance: the return-to-work interval in civil servants is larger than for private sector workers, and this is higher than in independent workers. The difference between patients with workers compensation and those with social security insurance is 17 days and significant. There is a significant difference between manual and non-manual workers in independent and private sector workers. There is no significant difference between the sub-groups in the civil servants. These cross references enable us to work out the influence that social security status has on the return-to-work time following surgery.


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