Posterior Border Distance: An Effective Diagnostic Measurement for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography.

Gokhan Meric,Bahar Yanık,Serdar Sargin,Koray Başdelioğlu,Ali Engin Ulusal

doi:10.7759/cureus.11010

Gokhan Meric, Bahar Yanık + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.11010

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Journal: Cureus	Publication Date: Oct 18, 2020
Citations: 1	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Balıkesir University, Istanbul Eye Hospital

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to define posterior border distance (PBD), which represents an ultrasonographic diagnosing method of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and to determine the reliability of PBD in comparison with electromyography (EMG) results.MethodsThirty-three patients (mean age: 51.8 ± 9.5 years; 27 females and six males) with CTS were included in this study. Ultrasonography (US) and EMG were performed under blinded conditions. PBD was evaluated by measuring the length of the perpendicular line between the posterior border of the median nerve and the line between the hook of the hamate and trapezoid tubercle. The cross-sectional area, anteroposterior (AP), and transverse diameter of the median nerve were measured. Control US was performed in 20 patients who were available at the first year postoperative follow-up and the results compared with preoperative US values. Correlation analyzes were performed to determine the relationship between electrodiagnostic results and ultrasonographic measurements.ResultsAccording to the results of preoperative and postoperative first-year US, there were statistically significant differences in the results of PBD (preoperative: 3.309±1.7472 mm, postoperative: 2.290±0.7867 mm p: 0.013) and AP diameter of the median nerve (preoperative: 3.012±0.7865 mm, postoperative: 2.680±0,5578 mm p: 0.017). There was no statistically significant difference in transverse diameter (preoperative: 6.585±1.9505 mm, postoperative: 6.955±2.2128 mm) and cross-sectional area (preoperative: 14.33±6.513 mm2, postoperative: 11.20±5.830 mm2) results (p>0.05).The cut-off value of PBD was ≥3.6 mm, it yielded 81.48% specificity and 83.33% sensitivity in the diagnosis of CTS. PBD was correlated with motor and sensory latency, anteromedial, and transverse diameter of the median nerve (p<0.05). There was no correlation between EMG values and the results of the cross-sectional area, transverse diameter, and AP diameter of the median nerve (p>0.05).ConclusionPBD is suggested as a reliable ultrasonographic measurement method for the diagnosis of CTS.

Highlights

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment neuropathy [1]
posterior border distance (PBD) was correlated with motor and sensory latency, anteromedial, and transverse diameter of the median nerve (p
There was no correlation between EMG values and the results of the cross-sectional area, transverse diameter, and AP diameter of the median nerve (p>0.05)

Summary

Introduction

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment neuropathy [1]. It is caused due to median nerve compression mostly beyond the distal wrist crease [2]. Mechanical trauma, increased pressure, and ischemic damage to the median nerve within the carpal tunnel constitute the pathophysiology of CTS [3]. The gold standard procedure for the diagnosis of CTS is controversial. The diagnosis of CTS is primarily based on clinical symptoms and often confirmed by an electrodiagnostic test [4]. 16% to 34% of patients may have false-negative electrodiagnostic results [5]. Electrodiagnostic testing causes pain in patients [6]

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