Efficacy of Ultrasound in Determining the Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Volume 11, Issue 2, Spring 2013, Pages 57-62
https://doi.org/10.22034/ijos.2020.121091
Farivar A Lahiji, MD, Hamidreza Aslani, MD, Amir Bisadi, MD, Seyed Mahdi Hosseini Khameneh, MD, Elham Rahimian, MD, Ali Fotouhi Maleki, MD, Seyyed Rouhollah Mousavi, MD, Farshad Safdari, MSc
Abstract Background: Some authors suggested using ultrasound in diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), however the efficacy of ultrasound in determining the severity of disease is unclear. In current study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound in determining the severity of CTS in comparison with NCV using measurement of cross-sectional area of median nerve. Methods: In a prospective study, 181 CTS suspected wrists (94 patients) were investigated. The cross-sectional area of the median nerve was measured using ultrasound and the severity of disease was determined based on criteria of El Miedany et al. Based on the NCV, the patients were divided into four groups of normal, mild, moderate or severe CTS. Finally, the mean cross-sectional area was compared between the groups and the kappa agreement coefficient for determining the severity of disease by the two methods was calculated. Results: The mean cross-sectional area increased significantly with increase in disease severity (p < /i>>.001). Conclusions: Determination of cross-sectional area of median nerve with ultrasound can be a useful tool in decision-making about surgical intervention in carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the clinical correlation is mandatory.