Added Value of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis, Management, and Follow-Up of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Added Value of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis, Management, and Follow-Up of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This study aims to assess the ultrasound (US) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) as a tool for diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common upper extremity compression neuropathies and is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel at the wrist.

The ultrasound (US) is a follow-up option as a diagnostic tool in CTS. It is a readily available non-invasive tool which has a shorter examination time. It can measure a number of median nerve parameters, including size, vascularity (using power Doppler) and mobility (using dynamic imaging). In addition,the US provides information on anatomical variations of the median nerve and surrounding structures that may be a causative factor in CTS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years old.
• Both sexes.
• Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of wrist surgery (including carpal tunnel injection) or fracture.
• Clinical or electrophysiological evidence of an accompanying condition that mimics carpal tunnel syndrome or interferes with its evaluation, such as proximal median neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy or polyneuropathy.
• History of underlying disorders associated with carpal tunnel syndrome such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, acromegaly or hypothyroidism.
• Electrodiagnostic findings suggestive of co-existing neurological disorders.
• Subclinical sensory polyneuropathy.