scholarly journals Relationship between clinical outcomes and nerve conduction studies before and after surgery in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masato Ise ◽  
Taichi Saito ◽  
Yoshimi Katayama ◽  
Ryuichi Nakahara ◽  
Yasunori Shimamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract Background Nerve conduction study (NCS) is the only useful test for objective assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, the relationship between pre- and postoperative NCS and clinical outcomes was unclear. This study aimed to determine whether pre- and postoperative (6 months) NCS could predict patient-oriented and motor outcomes (6 and 12 months postoperatively) in patients with CTS. Method Of the 85 patients with CTS, 107 hands were analyzed from March 2011 to March 2020. All patients underwent open carpal tunnel release and were examined using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire and grip strength (GS) preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Moreover, NCS was examined preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Distal motor latency (DML) and sensory conduction velocity (SCV) were the parameters used for NCS. The correlation coefficient between NCS and DASH or GS was calculated. A receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized to determine the NCS threshold value to predict DASH and GS improvement. Results The average scores of GS preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively were 21.3, 22.3, and 22.8, respectively. On the other hand, the average scores of DASH preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively were 28.8, 18.3, and 12.2, respectively. The average NCS scores (DML and SCV) preoperatively/6 months postoperatively were 7.3/5.4 and 27.8/36.7, respectively. Preoperative NCS did not correlate with DASH and GS. Postoperative SCV correlated with the change in grip strength (6–12 months, r = 0.67; 0–12 months, r = 0.60) and DASH (0–12 months, r = 0.77). Moreover, postoperative DML correlated with the change in DASH (6–12 months, r = − 0.33; 0–12 months, r = − 0.59). The prediction for the improvement of GS/DASH achieved a sensitivity of 50.0%/66.7% and a specificity of 100%/100%, at an SCV cutoff score of 38.5/45.0 or above. The prediction for improvement of GS/DASH achieved a sensitivity of 83.3%/66.7% and a specificity of 100%/66.7% at a DML cutoff score of 4.4/4.4 or below. Conclusion NCS at 6 months postoperatively can be used to predict the improvement of clinical outcome after 6 months postoperatively in patients with CTS.

scholarly journals Relationship between clinical outcomes and nerve conduction studies before and after surgery in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masato Ise ◽  
Taichi Saito ◽  
Yoshimi Katayama ◽  
Ryuichi Nakahara ◽  
Yasunori Shimamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract Background:Nerve conduction study (NCS) is the only useful test for objective assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, the relationship between pre- and postoperative NCS and clinical outcomes was unclear. This study aimed to determine whether pre- and postoperative (6 months) NCS could predict patient-oriented and motor outcomes (6 and 12 months postoperatively) in patients with CTS.Methods:Of the 85 patients with CTS, 107 hands were analyzed from March 2011 to March 2020. All patients underwent open carpal tunnel release and were examined using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire and grip strength (GS) preoperatively and 6 and 12 months. Moreover, NCS was examined preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Distal motor latency (DML) and sensory conduction velocity (SCV) were the parameters used for NCS. The correlation coefficient between NCS and DASH or GS was calculated. A receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized to determine the NCS threshold value to predict DASH and GS improvement.Results:The average scores of GS preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively were 21.3, 22.3, and 22.8, respectively. On the other hand, the average scores of DASH preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively were 28.8, 18.3, and 12.2, respectively. The average NCS scores (DML and SCV) preoperatively/6 months postoperatively were 7.3/5.4 and 27.8/36.7, respectively. Preoperative NCS did not correlate with DASH and GS. Postoperative SCV correlated with the change in grip strength (6–12 months, r = 0.67; 0–12 months, r = 0.60) and DASH (0–12 months, r = 0.77). Moreover, postoperative DML correlated with the change in DASH (6–12 months, r = -0.33; 0–12 months, r = -0.59). The prediction for the improvement of GS/DASH achieved a sensitivity of 50.0%/66.7% and a specificity of 100%/100%, at an SCV cutoff score of 38.5/45.0 or above. The prediction for improvement of GS/DASH achieved a sensitivity of 83.3%/66.7% and a specificity of 100%/66.7% at a DML cutoff score of 4.4/4.4 or below.Conclusions:NCS at 6 months postoperatively can be used to predict the improvement of clinical outcome after 6 months postoperatively in patients with CTS.

Use of Nerve Conduction Studies and the Pressure-Specified Sensory Device in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. SLUTSKY
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Nerve Conduction Studies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Asymptomatic Volunteers ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

Sixty-nine patients with signs of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) underwent nerve conduction studies (NCS) and testing with the Pressure-Specified Sensory Device (PSSD). A total of 102 tests were performed (28 bilateral). Twenty patients underwent a carpal tunnel release and were retested after 4 to 6 months. The Symptom Severity Score (SSS) was calculated before and after surgery. A control group of 20 hands in 10 asymptomatic volunteers underwent identical testing. The NCS sensitivity was 87% with a specificity of 90% whereas the PSSD sensitivity was 81% with a specificity of 65%. The combined sensitivity of the two tests was 93%. In the operative group the SSS improved from a mean of 3.34 pre-operatively to 1.95 postoperatively. The NCS improved in 19/21 hands whereas the PSSD improved in 16/19 hands. The non-invasive SSS and PSSD can increase the diagnostic yield in CTS, especially when the NCS are normal.

Co-existing carpal tunnel syndrome in complex regional pain syndrome after hand trauma

2009 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Koh ◽  
F. Moate ◽  
D. Grinsell
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

This study highlights the benefits of carpal tunnel release (CTR) in four patients presenting with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after hand surgery who also had carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosed clinically and by nerve conduction studies. Three of the patients underwent pre- and postoperative volumetric, circumference, grip strength and range of motion measurements. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) functional outcome measure and pain scores were also used. There was almost complete resolution of CRPS symptoms in all four patients, with notable reductions in oedema and improvements in grip strength and range of motion. There were also improvements in DASH outcome scores and pain scores after CTR.

The results of carpal tunnel release for carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed on clinical grounds, with or without electrophysiological investigations: a randomized study

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Żyluk ◽  
Z. Szlosser
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Nerve Conduction Studies ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
To Receive

We compared the results of carpal tunnel release in patients with the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome based on only clinical grounds and those diagnosed on clinical and electrophysiological grounds. Ninety-three patients, 83 women (89%) and ten men (11%), meeting the criteria of ‘typical’ carpal tunnel syndrome, were randomly assigned to receive carpal tunnel release with ( n = 45, 48%) or without ( n = 48, 52%) nerve conduction studies. Patients were followed-up at 1 and 6 months, by assessments that included the Levine scores, filament tests, grip and pinch strength. No significant differences in Levine scores were found at the 1 and 6 months assessments. Statistically significant differences were noted in three-point pinch strength and sensation; however, they were not of clinical importance. The results of the study show that the results of carpal tunnel release in patients with typical symptoms are no better after nerve conduction studies and, therefore, nerve conduction studies can be omitted.

Ultrasound of the Median Nerve in the Surgical Treatment of Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472098807
Author(s):  
William Melton ◽  
Maximillian Soong ◽  
Gabrielle Paci ◽  
Brian Clair ◽  
Dayana Blanchet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Background High-resolution ultrasound (HRU) has demonstrated utility in the diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by measuring the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve. We investigated whether HRU could be helpful in evaluating outcomes of carpal tunnel release in patients with severe CTS. Methods Patients greater than 18 years of age with severe CTS on electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies and scheduled to have carpal tunnel release were enrolled. At baseline visit within 6 weeks preoperatively, HRU was used to measure median nerve CSA at the carpal tunnel inlet and forearm, and the wrist/forearm ratio (WFR) was calculated. Patients also completed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). Ultrasound and BCTQ were repeated at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Results Twelve patients completed the study (average age, 69 years; range, 52-80 years). The WFR improved significantly at 6 weeks and reached normal levels at 6 months. The CSA at the wrist also improved at 6 months, although this did not reach statistical significance ( P = .059). Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptoms and function scores improved significantly at 6 weeks and 6 months. Conclusions High-resolution ultrasound provides an objective assessment of surgical outcomes in cases of severe CTS, demonstrating normalization of WFR in our series of successful cases. Future study of poor outcomes may help determine whether improvement in WFR and CSA can provide reassurance and support for observation rather than reoperation. Ultrasound also provides anatomical evaluation and may be helpful in cases with medicolegal or psychosocial issues while potentially being less costly and better tolerated than EDX or magnetic resonance imaging.

scholarly journals Validation of a one-stop carpal tunnel clinic including nerve conduction studies and hand therapy

2011 ◽  
Vol 93 (8) ◽  
pp. 634-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Ball ◽  
M Pearse ◽  
D Kennedy ◽  
A Hall ◽  
J Nanchahal
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Nerve Conduction Studies ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
One Stop ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

INTRODUCTION Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common hand disorder. We describe a pathway that includes clinical assessment, neurophysiological testing, surgery and physical therapy all at the same visit. METHODS All referrals for carpal tunnel syndrome were screened for inclusion in a ‘one-stop’ surgeon-led clinic. Prospective clinical data collected included patient reported outcome measures and satisfaction scores, touch threshold, pinch and grip strength. Patients were assessed clinically, underwent nerve conduction studies and surgery as indicated, all on the same day. Baseline and one-year follow-up data were analysed for 57 patients (62 hands). RESULTS There was significant improvement in all domains of the Boston Carpal Tunnel and Michigan Hand Outcomes questionnaires, grip strength and touch threshold. There were no adverse events. The total mean operating time was 12.8 minutes (range: 5–15 minutes) and the mean tourniquet time was 2.5 minutes (range: 1–11 minutes). Using a dual theatre model produced a short mean turnaround time of 14.8 minutes (range: 2–37 minutes). Patient satisfaction as judged using a Picker questionnaire was very high. CONCLUSIONS A highly efficient clinical service involving both diagnostics and treatment can be delivered at a single hospital visit while maintaining optimal outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

Neurophysiological Findings in Vibration-Exposed Male Workers

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. STRÖMBERG ◽  
L. B. DAHLIN ◽  
I. ROSÉN ◽  
G. LUNDBORG
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Nerve Conduction Studies ◽  
Cold Intolerance ◽  
Temperature Thresholds ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Vibration Perception ◽  
Male Workers

Fractionated nerve conduction, vibrotactile sense, and temperature thresholds were studied in 73 symptomatic vibration-exposed male workers. Three symptomatic groups were distinguished: patients with isolated sensorineural symptoms; with isolated vasospastic problems; and with both. Clinical carpal tunnel syndrome occurred in 14 patients and abnormal cold intolerance (without blanching of the fingers) in 23. In the group as a whole, nerve conduction studies were abnormal in the median nerve but not in the ulnar nerve and vibration perception and temperature thresholds were impaired. Of the three symptomatic groups, patients with isolated sensorineural symptoms differed from controls. No differences were seen between patients with and without clinical carpal tunnel syndrome. With severe sensorineural symptoms the vibration perception thresholds, but not the values of the nerve conduction studies, were further impaired. The results indicated two injuries that are easily confused: one at receptor level in the fingertips and one in the carpal tunnel. Careful clinical assessment, neurophysiological testing, and examination of vibrotactile sense are required before carpal tunnel release should be considered in these patients.

scholarly journals Thermography in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

Open Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-182
Author(s):  
Piotr Bargiel ◽  
Norbert Czapla ◽  
Piotr Prowans ◽  
Daniel Kotrych ◽  
Paweł Ziętek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Clinical Image ◽  
Control Group ◽  
List Type ◽  
Electrodiagnostic Testing ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Dynamic Thermography

Abstract Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by chronic compression of the median nerve. The diagnosis is made mainly on the basis of clinical image and confirmed with electrodiagnostic testing (electromyography and nerve conduction study); however, these methods do not always aid in reaching the diagnosis of CTS. Moreover, they are invasive examinations, unpleasant for the patient and have to be performed by a qualified physician. Aim An evaluation of the usefulness of dynamic thermography in the diagnosis of CTS. Material and methods Forty patients were included in the study group. CTS was diagnosed based on clinical examination and electromyography. Forty healthy volunteers were included in the control group. Each of the participants was examined thrice with dynamic thermography. The patient’s hands were first cooled down and then a thermal camera measured their return to normal temperature. The measurement was repeated on the dorsal and volar aspects of each hand. Results The results obtained in the study show that a relief of symptoms after carpal tunnel release does not correlate with thermal image. Moreover, the return to normal hand temperature was faster in the control group. In patients with unilateral CTS, no difference was observed in thermographic images of the affected and healthy hands. Conclusions Dynamic thermography can be useful in confirming CTS diagnosis. Dynamic thermography does not allow for objective assessment of patient’s complaints in the postoperative period. This method has currently limited clinical application. Due to complexity, it presently serves mainly scientific purposes.

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