Investigation of the Relationship Between Ultrasonographic Parameters and Tactile Sensation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Investigation of the Relationship Between Ultrasonographic Parameters and Tactile Sensation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between different ultrasonographic indices used in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and the level of tactile sensation.

The primary questions the study aimed to answer are:

• To what extent are the ultrasonographic parameters used in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome related to the level of sensory complaints in the patient?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy. The etiology of CTS can be related to work, lifestyle, injury, or genetic predisposition. Exposure to vibrations or repetitive forceful angular movements is among the most common causes of CTS. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, pregnancy, and morbidity, are also thought to be associated with an increased risk of developing CTS. It accounts for 90% of all entrapment neuropathies. Its prevalence in the population is between 1% and 5%, and it is three times more common in women. In CTS, complaints related to motor and sensory deficits are observed in the first three fingers innervated by the median nerve and the radial aspect of the fourth finger. Diagnosis is made by corroborating clinical signs and symptoms with electrophysiological findings. However, recently, ultrasound (US) is frequently preferred for the diagnosis of CTS to evaluate the morphological and mechanical properties of the median nerve. US is considered a highly accurate, effective, and cost-effective diagnostic method for the diagnosis of CTS, with a short evaluation time . Sonographic measurements related to CTS can yield values such as the diameter of the nerve at the entrance and exit of the tunnel. CTS presents with a disturbance in tactile input, such as numbness and loss of sensation in the median nerve dermatom. This sensory loss can cause difficulty in using the patient's hand in activities of daily living. Sonography has recently become widely used in CTS patients. The fact that values measured by sonography can provide information about the clinical status of patients can be considered important data for healthcare professionals. Therefore, our study was designed to examine the relationship between sonographic measurements and tactile sensory levels in patients diagnosed with mild to moderate CTS based on electrodiagnostic tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Electrodiagnostic diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome with pain, numbness, burning, and tingling consistent with the median nerve dermatomal area lasting at least 6 weeks.
• Literate
• Agree to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concomitant diabetes, systemic inflammatory disease, active infection, and history of malignancy
• Being <18 and >65 years old
• Being illiterate
• Refusing to participate in the study
• Having a disease with neuropathic pain, such as polyneuropathy, radiculopathy, or MS
• Other concomitant upper extremity entrapment neuropathies (e.g., cubital tunnel syndrome)
• Having undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis, advanced hand osteoarthritis