Correlations between transverse carpal ligament thickness measured on ultrasound and severity of carpal tunnel syndrome on electromyography and disease duration

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between transverse carpal ligament thickness on ultrasonography and disease severity according to electromyography findings. Fifty-eight patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, aged 30–75 years, with severe (Group 1) or moderate (Group 2) electromyography findings, who underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome complaints in the previous 2 years were enrolled. Patient characteristics and clinical information were recorded. The patients completed the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. Ultrasonography and electromyography records were examined. Electromyography showed that the median nerve area was similar in the two groups. Mean age, transverse carpal ligament thickness and symptom duration were greater in group 1, but not significantly. Mean VAS and Boston scores were significantly higher in group 1. Symptom duration did not affect median nerve area. Nerve area did not correlate significantly with VAS or Boston scores, transverse carpal ligament thickness or mean age, although averages were higher in patients with long symptom duration. Disease severity and symptom duration did not affect the ultrasonography findings. Disease severity in carpal tunnel syndrome could not be determined by measuring transverse carpal ligament thickness and median nerve area on ultrasonography without electromyography.