The Neurophysiological Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cannot Be Predicted by Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area and Wrist-To-Forearm Ratio

Lauri Martikkala, Sari-Leena Himanen, Katja Virtanen, Katri Mäkelä

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

    11 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Abstract
    Purpose: The median nerve cross-sectional area at the wrist (CSA) and the wrist-to-forearm ratio of the cross-sectional areas (WFR) are ultrasound parameters used in the diagnosis and grading of carpal tunnel syndrome. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the CSA and WFR as well as to compare their diagnostic value.

    Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted of a cohort of 218 patients who had undergone nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and an ultrasound of the median nerve. The examined wrists were classified into an NCS negative and three NCS positive (mild, moderate, and severe) categories. The CSA and WFR were compared across the categories.

    Results: The CSA and WFR were significantly smaller in the NCS negative category than in the NCS positive categories. The WFR was significantly smaller in the mild category than in the moderate category. The CSA could not be used to differentiate across the NCS positive categories.

    Conclusions: The CSA and WFR are satisfactorily reliable in detecting carpal tunnel syndrome, but they cannot be considered as surrogate indicators of electrophysiological severity.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
    Volume38
    Issue number4
    Early online date26 May 2020
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2021
    Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

    Keywords

    • carpal tunnel syndrome
    • ultrasound

    Publication forum classification

    • Publication forum level 1

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