| Role of comparison test and ultrasonography in carpal tunnel syndrome |
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Kyusik Ahn, Michelle Youn, Jong-Moo Park, Jung-Ju Lee, Woong-woo Lee, Kyusik Kang, Byun-Kun Kim, Ohyun Kwon |
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Department of Neurology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, South Korea, Seoul, Korea |
Correspondence:
Ohyun Kwon, Tel: 02-970-8312, Fax: 02-974-7785,
Email: koh1407@eulji.ac.kr
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Received: 19 May 2020 • Accepted: 13 July 2020 |
| Abstract |
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The median-to-ulnar comparison test (MUCT) and, increasingly, ultrasonography (US) are considered as complementary to and more sensitive than median nerve conduction study (NCS) in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In consecutive patients with hand paresthesia compatible to CTS but with normal median NCS, we performed MUCT in addition and analyzed whether it yield better diagnostic sensitivity.
In total, 163 hands of clinically diagnosed CTS were examined with routine NCS. MUCT and US were performed in 81 and 31 hands. While median NCS was diagnostic in 85 (52.1%) hands, the MUCT failed to reveal any additional abnormalities in the otherwise normal hands with median NCS. But US was more likely to detect CTS-related abnormalities than either routine NCS (p=0.006) orMUCT (p=0.002).
In this study at the real office setting, the MUCT offered no additional diagnostic benefit to routine median NCS. On the other hand, the sonographic examination might have a complimentary role in detect morphological changes of CTS even in the cases with normal electrophysiological studies.
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| Key Words:
carpal tunnel syndrome, median-to-ulnar comparative study, ultrasonography, nerve conduction study |
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