Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients Research Articles

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with and without diabetes-Is there a difference in the frequency of surgical procedures?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs more often among individuals with diabetes. The aim of this retrospective observational registry study was to examine whether individuals with diabetes and CTS are treated surgically to the same extent as individuals with CTS but without diabetes. Data on CTS diagnosis and surgery were collected from the Skåne Healthcare Register (SHR). A total of 35,105 individuals (age ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with CTS from 2004-2019 were included. Data were matched to the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR. Cox regression models were used to calculate the risk of the use of surgical treatment. Of the 35,105 included individuals with a CTS diagnosis, 17,662 (50%) were treated surgically, and 4,966 (14%) had diabetes. A higher number of individuals with diabetes were treated surgically (2,935/4,966, 59%) than individuals without diabetes (14,727/30,139, 49%). In the Cox regression model, diabetes remained a significant risk factor for surgical treatment (PR 1.14 (95% CI 1.11-1.17)). Individuals with type 1 diabetes were more frequently treated surgically (490/757, 65%) than individuals with type 2 diabetes (2,445/4,209, 58%). There was no difference between the sexes and their treatment. The duration of diabetes was also a risk factor for surgical treatment in diabetes type 2, but high HbA1c levels were not. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to be treated surgically for CTS than individuals without diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are more likely to be treated surgically for CTS than individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Concomitant amyloidosis is the primary cause of endothelial and coronary microvascular dysfunction in carpal tunnel syndrome

Study objectivesPatients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) show manifestations of arterial abnormalities, including carotid intimal thickening and increased vascular stiffness. As carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with amyloidosis, we hypothesized that previously observed abnormalities can largely be related with concomitant amyloidosis rather than CTS itself. DesignProspective observational study. SettingMedeniyet University Goztepe Hospital Participants61 patients with CTS (of whom 32 had biopsy-proven amyloidosis) and 36 healthy controls. InterventionsSubjects underwent ultrasound examinations for the measurement of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) and carotid intimal-media thickness (CIMT). Main outcome measuresComparison of CFVR, FMD and CIMT in CTS patients with or without amyloidosis. ResultsPatients with either CTS or CTS with concomitant amyloidosis (CTS-A) had significantly lower FMD (9.7 % ± 4.0 % in CTS and 10.3 % ± 4.6 % in CTS-A groups, p < 0.05 for both) and CFVR (2.4 (2.1–2.8) in CTS and 1.8 (1.6–2.1) in CTS-A groups, p < 0.001 for both) as compared to controls, while CIMT was only increased in CTS-A group (0.70 (0.60–0.80), p < 0.001). The reduction in CFVR was solely related to an increased basal flow velocity in CTS patients while there was also a reduced hyperemic flow velocity in patients with CTS-A. ConclusionMost arterial phenomena in CTS patients could be attributable to concomitant amyloidosis, although endothelial dysfunction was present even in patients with CTS without amyloidosis.

Is Ultrasonography a Reliable Approach for the Evaluation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients With Mucopolysaccharidosis?

BackgroundOne of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in childhood is mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). While ultrasonography (US) can aid in the diagnosis of CTS in adult patients, there is limited experience of this in the pediatric group. We aimed to investigate the results of wrist ultrasonography, which may be a candidate alternative to electrophysiological examination. MethodsThe participants were evaluated for symptoms, physical examination findings, electrophysiological tests and grayscale US. CTS was diagnosed in accordance with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. ResultsIncluded in the study were 27 MPS patients aged 4.5–32 years and 30 healthy control subjects aged 4.3–26 years. Of the 54 wrists in the MPS group, 30 were diagnosed with CTS. The median cross-sectional area (CSA) at the proximal carpal tunnel, the CSA at the forearm, and the wrist-forearm ratio (WFR) were higher in the wrists of the MPS with CTS group than in those without CTS and the healthy control subjects. The WFR cutoff of ≥1.35, 56.6% (95% CI: 437.4–74.5) sensitivity, and 89.8% (95% CI: 81.0–95.5) specificity were consistent with a diagnosis of CTS (receiver operating characteristics analysis, area under the curve = 0.775, 95% CI: 0.673–0.877). ConclusionAlthough the US provides results with unsatisfactory specificity and sensitivity, it is a candidate for further investigation for the diagnosis of CTS because it is an innovative, noninvasive, and more accessible method. WFR value may produce more meaningful results than wrist or forearm nerve area measurements.

Perineural 5% dextrose versus corticosteroid injection in non-surgical carpal tunnel syndrom treatment.

<p>We aimed to investigate the difference of clinical and electrophysiological improvement between perineural corticosteroid injection therapy (PCIT) and perineural 5% dextrose injection therapy (5%PDIT) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).</p>. <p>Total of 92 wrists that were diagnosed as mild-to-moderate idiopathic CTS and completed their follow-up were included in our study. The severity of pain, symptom severity and functional status were asses&shy;sed by visual analog scale (VAS) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores for treatment effectiveness. Randomized wrists were administered PCIT or 5%PDIT accompanied by ultrasound guidance. VAS, BCTQ scores and the electro&shy;physiological study repeated before and after treatment at the 1st and 6th months after perineural injection therapies (PITs) were recorded.</p>. <p>Compared with baseline data, within groups there was significant improvement in VAS, BCTQ severity and function scores at 1st and 6th months follow-up (all p &lt; 0.001). Considerable advance were detected in the median sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) when pretreatment values were compared with posttreatment first month in both groups (p = 0.01; p &lt; 0.001, respectively). No significant change occurred in median distal motor latency (DML) values between the 1st and 6th months in the groups (p = 0.095; p = 0.113, respectively). No significant difference was observed bet&shy;ween 5%PDIT and PCIT groups.</p>. <p>Clinical and electrophysiologic improvement in CTS began from 1st month after PCIT and 5%PDIT. At the 6th month follow-up of the patients, 5%PDIT and PCIT had similar therapeutic effects. As a result, we can consider the replacement of PCIT with 5%PDIT in mild-to-moderate CTS patients especially in those who are hesitant because of the corticosteroid&rsquo;s adverse effects.</p>.

Perineural Injection of Mecobalamin Versus Dextrose 5% Against Clinical Changes and Electrophysiological Features of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common compression neuropathy with symptoms of pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands. Perineural injections of steroids and mecobalamin have been shown to be effective in relieving CTS symptoms. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the perineural injection of mecobalamin and 5% dextrose on clinical changes and electrophysiological features in CTS sufferers.&#x0D; Methods: This research is a pilot study open-label randomized controlled trial conducted at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital Palembang. A total of 24 CTS patients were randomly divided into two groups: the mecobalamin group (n=12) and the 5% dextrose group (n=12). Patients in both groups received a single perineural injection.&#x0D; Results: In the mecobalamin group, there were significant improvements in pain scores (NPRS), Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) - symptom severity scale (SSS) and functional status scale (FSS), as well as median nerve motor and sensory conduction after 2 weeks. In the 5% dextrose group, there were significant improvements in pain scores and BCTQ-SSS but not in BCTQ-FSS and nerve conduction. Comparison between groups showed significant differences in BCTQ-SSS and sensory conduction amplitude.&#x0D; Conclusion: Perineural injection of mecobalamin and 5% dextrose is effective in improving clinical symptoms of CTS. Mecobalamin showed better effects on BCTQ-SSS and sensory conduction amplitude than 5% dextrose.

Relationship between Gravidity, Parity, and Neurophysiological Features in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Patients with a History of Pregnancy.

It is not yet clear if gravidity and parity have any relationships with the electrodiagnostic parameters of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). To determine whether there is a relationship between electrodiagnostic findings, gravidity, and parity number in CTS. Female patients over 18 years of age with CTS were included in this retrospective cohort study. The gravidity/parity number, median nerve compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and compound nerve action potential (CNAP) of the patients were analyzed. The two subgroups of the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire (BCTSQ): The Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Severity Scale (FSS) were applied to the patients. CTS patients were divided into two groups aged at first pregnancy ≤20 years and >20 years. One hundred and eight CTS extremities (seven right-sided CTS, three left-sided CTS, 49 bilateral CTS) of 59 patients were included. The median (interquartile range: 25%-75%) number of gravidity, parity, and abortion were 3 (2-5), 3 (2-4), and 0 (0-0), respectively. Right-sided CTS patients at the age of first pregnancy ≤20 years had higher BCTSQ-SSS/FSS scores and median nerve CMAP latency compared to patients at the age of first pregnancy >20 years (P = 0.029 for SSS; P = 0.042 for FSS; and P = 0.041 for CMAP latency). A negative correlation was found between the gravidity/parity numbers and median nerve CNAP/CMAP amplitudes (P = 0.028/0.031, r = -0.293/-0.289 for CNAP amplitude; and P = 0.006/0.035, r = -0.363/-0.283 for CMAP amplitude). Neurophysiological findings worsen as the number of gravidity and parity increase. Electrodiagnostic and clinical features of CTS may be worsening in females below 20 years at first pregnancy.

Infiltration Technique for the Fourth FDS Opponensplasty Under WALANT

Background: Wide-awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) is a surgical technique that relies on anesthetic and hemostatic agents to provide conditions suitable for hand surgery without sedation and a tourniquet. The opponensplasty using the fourth flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer with the pisiform pulley is one of the most used in severe carpal tunnel syndrome patient who is unable to perform thumb opposition due to thenar muscle atrophy with the benefit of small incision, less soft tissue dissection, easy to perform, good esthetic result and has minor morbidity. Key advantages of the pisiform pulley provide balancing abduction and flexion strength of the thumb. To date, there is no report using the WALANT technique for the fourth flexor digitorum superficialis opponensplasty with pisiform pulley. Materials and Method: Between January 2019 and January 2022, 18 patients (4 males and 14 females) with severe carpal tunnel syndrome with thenar muscle atrophy underwent fourth flexor digitorum superficialis opponensplasty as day surgery under the WALANT technique. Operative data, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and complications were recorded. All patients underwent the procedure without any complications. Results: The average age of the patients was 58.4 (43 to 62) year-old. The average operative time was 38.4 (17 to 47) minutes. The average VAS score during the anesthetic injection was 6.43 (4 to -8). The average VAS pain score during the operation was 2.1 (1 to 3). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 3 (2.6 to 6.2) mL. Conclusions: The WALANT technique is safe and can be used as alternative anesthesia for the fourth flexor digitorum superficialis opponensplasty with pisiform pulley. This technique overcomes the problem of judging the appropriate amount of transfer tension by observing awake patients actively. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic study, level IV

A revised approach for electrodiagnosis-based severity classification in carpal tunnel syndrome

BACKGROUND: An electrodiagnostic evaluation is conducted to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and evaluate its severity. OBJECTIVE: This study proposes a revised approach for classifying the severity of electrophysiological findings for patients with CTS. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients with CTS confirmed through electrodiagnostic evaluations. Based on the Stevens’ classification, the patients were divided into three groups (mild/moderate/severe). A new intermediate group was defined to identify patients with normal motor nerve conduction studies and abnormal electromyographic results. CTS pain was evaluated using a numeric rate scale. Physical examinations and sonographic evaluation were performed to detect anatomical abnormalities. RESULTS: Overall, 1,069 CTS hands of 850 CTS patients were included. The mean age was 57.9 ± 10.8 years, and 336 (39.5%) were men. There were 522 (48.8%) mild cases; 281 (26.3%) moderate cases; and 266 (24.9%) severe cases. In the severe group, 49 cases were reclassified into the intermediate group. The median cross-sectional area in the intermediate group significantly differed from that in the severe group. However, the pain score significantly differed from that of the moderate group. CONCLUSION: The intermediate CTS group showed clinical features that were intermediate to those of the moderate and severe CTS groups.

Adding the Neuromuscular Taping to Nerve Mobilization Interventions on the Hand Functional Abilities in Carpal Tunnel Syndrom

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a collection of symptoms and signs of disease caused by the squeezing of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This CTS condition is one of the most common types of neuropathy. This syndrome arises with symptoms of pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands due to compression of the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a syndrome associated with repetitive motion and a fixed position for a long duration so it affects the blood supply to the hands and causes pain. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of adding neuromuscular taping intervention to the nerve mobilization which was previously usually given to Hand Functional Ability in carpal tunnel syndrome. A case study with pre and post-test research a design that compares the Hand Functional Ability values before and after being measured with a measuring instrument Wrist hand Disability Index (WHDI) to provide additional Neuromuscular Taping intervention in conditions of carpal tunnel syndrome for 3 weeks. Analysis of differences scores with WHDI in the sample group with a significance value of 0.023 which shows &lt; 0.05, which means there is an effect of giving additions Neuromuscular Taping Intervention in Nerve Mobilization noted changes in Hand Functional Ability levels in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients.

Management of "De Novo" Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy: A Narrative Review.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common entrapment neuropathy that can occur in the upper limbs during pregnancy. However, it is often undervalued and underdiagnosed because the symptoms can be mistaken for regular changes during pregnancy. Delay or absence of diagnosis and treatment can lead to permanent nerve damage, which can affect a woman's quality of life during and after pregnancy. Although the treatment protocols are well established for carpal tunnel syndrome in patients from the general population, there is a different situation among pregnant and postpartum women that requires a preventive and personalized approach to manage this pathology. Unfortunately, the range of available treatment options is limited due to the pregnant woman's physiological status and influenced by the high possibility of the complete resolution of this pathology in the postpartum period without any treatment. To limit the possibility of unfavorable evolution of this syndrome during pregnancy, an early diagnosis and personalized approach are mandatory in each case involving a multidisciplinary team of general practitioners, obstetricians, hand surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.

The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with epilepsy

ObjectiveCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common type of entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Epilepsy is characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal neuronal discharges in the brain.This study aimed to investigate whether there is a link between epilepsy and carpal tunnel and, if so, the underlying factors. Materials and methodsTwo hundred patients with epilepsy were included in this study. The patients' history of epilepsy, seizure type, and seizure frequency were assessed. The Tinel, Phalen, and Flick physical examination tests were performed on patients with complaints that matched those of median nerve neuropathy. Patients with epilepsy and clinically diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome completed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, and nerve conduction studies were performed. The relationship between seizure type and frequency in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome was compared. ResultsCompared to focal-aware motor-onset seizures, the risk of detecting carpal tunnel syndrome was 88.7 times higher in focal-onset bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. Patients with a seizure frequency of one per month or more had a 0.704 times lower risk of CTS than those with a frequency of one per week or more (p = 0.026). DiscussionPatients with epilepsy, especially those experiencing frequent seizures or specific seizure types, may be more susceptible to repetitive wrist flexion-extension postures. Therefore, during clinical follow-up, it is important to inquire about the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with epilepsy.

Value of MUNE versus compound muscle action potential in assessing motor unit loss in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

BackgroundThe most prevalent nerve entrapment disorder, known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is brought on by wrist-based median nerve compression. Focal demyelination progresses to axonal dysfunction as the condition worsens. In order to detect motor unit (MU) loos, this study compares two motor unit number estimation (MUNE) techniques with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude. The CMAP amplitude and MUNE of the median nerve in 137 hands of 70 neurophysiologically approved CTS patients, aged 40.27 ± 10.06 years were examined. Another 90 hands from 56 healthy volunteers who are age- and gender-matched serve the control group.ResultsIn contrast to 192.5 and 248.5 in controls, the median nerve values of incremental and adapted multipoint stimulation (aMPS) MUNE in CTS patients were, respectively, 111 and 133 (p < 0.0001). Patients with severe CTS compared to those with mild CTS using both methods had significantly lower MUNE. MUNE values are the same regardless of gender or hand dominance. In comparison to MUNE methods (cutoff values of 106.5 and 203, respectively), CMAP amplitude had a sensitivity and specificity of more than 60% in detecting MU loss (cutoff value of 6.85 mV). The CTS grading had no effect on the CMAP amplitude. MUNE values had positive with CMAP amplitude and negative with CTS grading and Phalen test positivity.ConclusionsWhen identifying motor nerve involvement in CTS patients, the MUNE technique is more accurate than a standard motor nerve conduction study (NCS). It was emphasized that MUNE evaluation in determining MU loss in the early stages of CTS may be helpful in diagnosis and treatment. There was no correlation between handedness and the number of MUs as determined by MUNE techniques. Both methods almost equally identify MU loss and have the same sensitivity and specificity.

Effect of Laser Therapy, Neurodynamic Stabilization and Strengthening Exercises on Hand Function in Patients of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Rheumatoid Arthritis- A Narrative Review

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy in which median nerve is compressed or squeezed at the wrist level in the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most prevalent neurological complication in the rheumatoid arthritis patients. The prevalence of CTS in RA ranged from 3.5% to 22.8 %. Tenosynovitis, inflammation of the synovial tissue of the flexor tendons, can cause increased pressure in the carpal tunnel and result in CTS. Hand function is usually affected in carpel tunnel syndrome which affects the daily living performance by affecting both gross motor activities like grasping, carrying, holding and fine motor activities like writing, gripping and buttoning the shirts. Laser therapy, also called as photo biomodulation, can reduce pain, inflammation, swelling and synovitis. The dexterity and functionality of the hands improved through hand and wrist stretching and strengthening exercises.&#x0D; Objective: To find out the effect of laser therapy, neurodynamic mobilization exercises and strengthening exercises on hand function in patients of carpal tunnel syndrome with rheumatoid arthritis.&#x0D; Study selection: This narrative review is conducted on databases from Pubmed, Google scholar, scopus, web of knowledge, Virtual Health Library, Research Gate and Cochrane library in Nov 2023.

Perceived stress, coping strategies, symptoms severity and function status among carpal tunnel syndrome patients: a nurse-led correlational Study

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition characterized by hand pain, tingling, and numbness. The severity of symptoms and functional status in CTS patients may be influenced by perceived stress and how individuals cope with it. However, scarce knowledge exists about the role of coping strategies as moderators in this relationship. Unfolding the role of perceived stress and coping strategies for CTS management will help the nurse to provide comprehensive and tailored nursing care. This will ultimately improve patient comfort, functionality, and quality of life.PurposesThis study aimed to examine the role of coping strategies (adaptive and maladaptive) in the relationship between perceived stress and both symptoms severity and function status among those patients.MethodWe employed a multisite, correlational study design with moderation analysis. The study included 215 patients with CTS from neurosurgery outpatient clinics at three hospitals in Egypt. After obtaining their consent to participate, eligible participants completed anonymous, self-reported measures of perceived stress, the brief COPE inventory, and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Demographic and biomedical data were also collected. The questionnaire took about 20 min to be completed. The data was collected over six months, starting in February 2023.ResultsThe results showed that perceived stress, adaptive coping, and maladaptive coping were significant predictors of symptoms severity and functional status. Adaptive coping moderated the relationships between perceived stress and both symptoms severity and function status, while maladaptive coping did not. The interaction between perceived stress and adaptive coping explained a moderate effect on symptoms severity and function status after controlling for the main effects and the covariates.ConclusionThis study explored the relationship between perceived stress, coping strategies, and outcomes in patients with CTS. The results indicate that nurses play a vital role in assessing and assisting patients to adopt effective coping strategies to manage perceived stress and alleviate symptoms and functional impairment. Moreover, the findings support the need for psychological interventions that address both perceived stress and coping strategies as a way to enhance the functioning status and quality of life of patients with CTS.

Correlation between electrodiagnostic severity and Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire in surgically treated carpal tunnel syndrome patients.

The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate whether electrodiagnostic (EDX) findings reflect the preoperative symptom severity and functional impairment in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and (2) evaluate the relationship between EDX findings and the clinical outcomes reported according to the self-administered patient questionnaires. Patients diagnosed with idiopathic CTS who underwent carpal tunnel release between May 2016 and July 2018 were included. Carpal tunnel syndrome was clinically diagnosed and confirmed based on the EDX findings. The association between EDX findings, such as motor latency, motor amplitude, sensory latency, sensory amplitude, and severity (mild, moderate, and severe), and the Boston symptom and function scores were analyzed. The change in the Boston symptom and function scores from the preoperative baseline values (visit 1) to those recorded 1 year postoperatively (visit 5) was assessed. The effect of disease severity based on the EDX findings on the change in Boston symptom and function scores by visit was also investigated. The EDX severity, motor latency, motor amplitude, sensory latency, and sensory amplitude were not correlated with the Boston symptom and function scores preoperatively and postoperatively. Electrodiagnostic severity did not affect the improvement in the Boston symptom and function scores recorded at each visit. We found no association between the EDX severity and perioperative Boston questionnaire scores, and the degree of improvement in patient symptoms and function did not differ according to the CTS severity based on the EDX findings. Level IV, Prognostic study.

Effect of High-intensity Laser Therapy on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To provide a strong foundation for the use of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS,) we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the outcomes of short- and long-term follow-up studies. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Sample sizes of included studies ranged from 16 to 98 patients (total N = 308). Overall, a significant difference between the treatment and control groups were found across majority of the measures. Studies using a four-week follow-up period, however, only found significantly greater benefits for HILT in visual analogue scale (VAS) compared to placebo (p = 0.0191), Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) (p = 0.0026), and low-intensity laser therapy-20 J/cm2 (p < 0.0002), and exercise (p < 0.0001). For improvement in VAS score over a long treatment period, HILT was also preferred over control group (p < 0.0071). Insufficient evidence exists to determine effect of HILT on nerve conduction examinations. The only statistically significant differences observed in examinations were in relation to sensory nerve action potential (p = 0.0083) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) (p = 0.0468). Moderate evidence exists regarding efficacy of HILT compared to placebo, HILT + wrist splint, and exercise in a short period of follow-up time but evidence on long-term follow-up is limited.

Convolutional Neural Network Approaches in Median Nerve Morphological Assessment from Ultrasound Images.

Ultrasound imaging has been used to investigate compression of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome patients. Ultrasound imaging and the extraction of median nerve parameters from ultrasound images are crucial and are usually performed manually by experts. The manual annotation of ultrasound images relies on experience, and intra- and interrater reliability may vary among studies. In this study, two types of convolutional neural networks (CNNs), U-Net and SegNet, were used to extract the median nerve morphology. To the best of our knowledge, the application of these methods to ultrasound imaging of the median nerve has not yet been investigated. Spearman's correlation and Bland-Altman analyses were performed to investigate the correlation and agreement between manual annotation and CNN estimation, namely, the cross-sectional area, circumference, and diameter of the median nerve. The results showed that the intersection over union (IoU) of U-Net (0.717) was greater than that of SegNet (0.625). A few images in SegNet had an IoU below 0.6, decreasing the average IoU. In both models, the IoU decreased when the median nerve was elongated longitudinally with a blurred outline. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed that, in general, both the U-Net- and SegNet-estimated measurements showed 95% limits of agreement with manual annotation. These results show that these CNN models are promising tools for median nerve ultrasound imaging analysis.

Is arthritis an associated risk factor for trigger finger occurrence after carpal tunnel release? A nationwide, population-based study in Korea.

We hypothesized that increased friction between the flexor tendon and surrounding structures due to hand arthritis is an important risk factor for trigger finger (TF) after carpal tunnel release (CTR). Therefore, we compared TF development according to the presence or absence of arthritis in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients treated with CTR. This retrospective study was based on data collected from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) in the Republic of Korea between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2015. Patients diagnosed with TF between one month and one year after the CTR date or with a history of surgery were included in the study. During subsequent follow-up, the patients were divided into subgroups of those (1) with TF and (2) without TF. Sex, age, arthritis, and TF-related comorbidities were compared between the subgroups. The subgroup with TF had a higher proportion of women (9.43% vs 90.57%), the highest age range between 50 and 59 years, more cases of arthritis (32.55% vs 16.79%), and a higher proportion of patients with hypothyroidism (10.85% vs 4.60%) than the group without TF. The association between arthritis and TF after CTR was examined using a multivariate logistic regression model, showing arthritis to be a significant risk factor for TF after CTR (odds ratio, 1.35; P = 0.049). We identified arthritis as an important risk factor for the development of TF after CTR.

Urdu Translation and Adaptation of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire: A Reliability and Validity Study

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common neuropathic disorder, and its assessment often relies on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). However, there is a lack of a validated Urdu version of this tool for use in Pakistan. Objective: To translate and adapt the BCTQ into Urdu and to validate this version among native Urdu-speaking patients diagnosed with CTS. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the University of Lahore over six months. The study involved 142 native Urdu-speaking CTS patients. The translation followed Beaton's guidelines and included forward translation, reconciliation, back-translation, expert committee review, pre-testing, and cognitive debriefing. The translated questionnaire's reliability and validity were assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and correlation analyses. Floor and ceiling effects were also examined. Results: The Urdu BCTQ demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.85 for SSS and 0.87 for FSS) and good test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.75 for SSS and 0.78 for FSS). Construct validity was confirmed with substantial correlations with established measures (0.65 for SSS and 0.70 for FSS), and the questionnaire showed responsiveness to treatment effects (statistical significance at 0.05). Demographic analysis indicated a balanced representation of participants, and minimal floor and ceiling effects were observed. Conclusion: The Urdu version of the BCTQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing CTS in Urdu-speaking patients. Its high internal consistency, good test-retest reliability, and proven construct validity make it an effective instrument for clinical and research settings in Pakistan.

Diagnostic Relevance of Electromyographic Values and their Role in Forecasting the Conservative Treatment in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Summary. Instrumental investigation and electromyography (EMG), one of the most widespread and informative of its methods, still remains widely used for differentiated diagnostics with any other disorder, compressive-ishemic focal neuropathy (CIFN) of the median nerve (MN) ) at the level of the carpal tunnel (CT) diagnosis verification and determination of the severity of damage to the MN. The clinical diagnosis of this pathologyis better know as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Objective: To study the diagnostic relevance of electromyographic values in the Ukrainian population of CTS patients and their role in forecasting the efficiency of conservative treatment of this disorder.&#x0D; Materials and methods: 128 patients (204 extremities) with the clinical signs of CTS, who formed the Main Group (MG) underwent electromyography (EMG). The mean age of the patients was 58.2±12.5 years old; among them were 105 (82 %) women and 23 (18 %) men; 77 persons with a bilateral and 51 with a unilateral process. The control group (CG) included 30 volunteers (54 extremities) without any claims and signs of neurological symptoms. The mean age was 45.1±7.8 years old; among them were 23 (77.6%) women and 7 (23,3%) men. To determine the EMG predictors of the effectiveness of clinical outcomes after paraneural corticosteroid injection (PCI) 58 extremities MG were examined.For the EMG examination, we used the «Viking Quest» machine by Nicollet, the USA. Applying relevant methods, we investigated the following: median motor distal latency (DMLm) and CMAP of M. abductor pollicis brevis (APB); median sensory distal onset (MOL-D2), median sensory distal peak latency (MPL-D2), median SNAP amplitude digit 2, median sensory conduction velocity between wrist and digit 2 (mSNCV); difference in median sensory onset latency (digit 1) (MSL-D1) to radial sensory onset latency (digit 1) (RSL-D1) – MD1-RD1; difference in median nerve distal motor latency (2nd lumbrical)to the ulnar nerve distal motor latency (2nd interossei) – 2LI-DML; interrelation of the amplitudes of CMAP APB obtained by the stimulation of the MN on the level of the lower third of forearm to the amplitude of CMAP APB – on the level of the lower third of a palm (wrist to palm amplitude ratio); the sensory ulnar nerve conduction velocity (uSNCV).&#x0D; Results: The analysis of mean values of the core EMG values has demonstrated the significant differences between MG and CG, with different directions of changes, typical of the CTS. Relying on the data collected while studying people from the CG (the discovered referential and abnormal values) and the ROC analysis, we have established the sensitivity and specificity of EMG values: DMLm – 73.5% and 96.3%; MPL-D2 – 81.9% and 100%; mSNCV– 93.9% and 100%; MD1-RD1 – 62.5% and 100%; MSL-D1– 83.3% and 96.9%; 2LI-DML – 88.2% and 100%, respectively (AUC=0,91-0.96). Based on the results of the ROC analysis, determined that the most prognostically significant EMG predictor of clinical outcome after PCI was median SNAP amplitude digit 2 (sensitivity 90,9% and specificity 92%, AUC=0,95.&#x0D; Conclusions: The EMG is the objective and informative method to diagnose CIFN of the MN at the level of the CT, severity of nerve damage in CTS patients and predicting of clinical outcome after PCI.