Scratch Collapse Test Research Articles

Ultrasound-guided radial nerve release at the arm under WALANT

Radial nerve entrapment at the LIS is an aching pain in the distal, lateral upper arm and leads to weakness in wrist and thumb/index finger extension. Additionally, a positive scratch collapse test and localized pain on pressure at the entrapment site are observed.The described approach uses a minimally invasive percutaneous ultrasound-guided technique under local anesthesia.

Scratch-collapse test in reflex cervical-elbow syndrome

The scratch-collapse test was proposed in 2008 to detect the level of compression of the ulnar and median nerves in tunnel lesions. Further study of this phenomenon has shown that weakness of the shoulder external rotators occurs in nerve lesions at other levels as well. The scratch-collapse test was studied in 155 patients (mean age 45 years) with unilateral reflex cervical-elbow syndrome, with complaints of different localization. The scratch-collapse test was positive in all patients on the affected side. The localization of the trigger zone depended on the patient’s complaints and was established experimentally. Short-term kneading of the trapezius muscle or voluntary contraction of the forearm muscles on the side of the lesion was used to prove the reflex nature of the cervico-elbow syndrome, resulting in complete recovery of triceps or extensor strength of the first and third finger. In the course of the study, suppression of the scratch-collapse test in reflex cervico-elbow syndrome with proprioceptive stimulation was found. In confirmed carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes, the phenomenon of suppression of the scratch-collapse test was also observed in response to proprioceptive stimulation. The scratch-collapse test and reflex cervical-elbow syndrome have a common mechanism of occurrence, which is based on the protective reaction of the body in the form of a nociceptive shortening reflex. The scratch-collapse test at skin irritation over the site of nerve injury can be considered as a subthreshold physiologic nociceptive reflex. Based on the theory of prognostic action of the nociceptive system, cervicolumbar reflex syndrome is a pathologic nociceptive reflex. Scratchcollapse test suppression phenomenon and recovery of muscle strength in reflexive cervical-elbow syndrome after shortterm kneading of the trapezius muscle are the result of activation of the antinociceptive system in response to proprioceptive stimulation. This suppression phenomenon can be used for the treatment of reflex cervical lockjaw syndrome.

The role of the exhaustion test in lacertus syndrome

BackgroundLacertus syndrome involves dynamic median nerve compression by the lacertus fibrosus, leading to sensory symptoms and loss of strength. Prevalence in the general population is unclear. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of lacertus syndrome in the Belgian population and to evaluate the effectiveness of the exhaustion test combined with the scratch collapse test. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study from May 2023 to February 2024, 362 healthy individuals, aged 18 to 86 years underwent clinical examinations, including the scratch-collapse test and exhaustion test, to assess signs of lacertus syndrome. Results11.3% of participants (95% CI: 8.2–15.1%) reported discomfort on lacertus fibrosus palpation.The scratch-collapse test at the lacertus fibrosus was positive in 7.2% of cases (95% CI: 4.8–10.4%), increasing to 25.7% (95% CI: 21.3–30.5%, p < 0.001) following the exhaustion test. There were no significant differences in gender, occupation, or hand dominance (all p > 0.05). Hagert’s clinical triad and positive scratch-collapse test over the lacertus fibrosus were found in 2.21% (95% CI: 1.0–4.2%) of this general population after the exhaustion test. ConclusionThe prevalence of lacertus syndrome was 2.21% after the exhaustion test, and 0.83% before. The exhaustion test led to significant conversion of negative to positive scratch-collapse test from 7.2% to 25.7%.The exhaustion test enhanced the scratch-collapse test’s diagnostic accuracy, revealing a spectrum of lacertus syndrome symptoms, from unnoticed mild cases to severe manifestations, and confirmed the importance of Hagert's clinical triad in diagnosing lacertus syndrome.

A positive scratch collapse test in anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome indicates its neuropathic character.

Chronic abdominal pain is occasionally caused by an abdominal wall entity such as anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES). This syndrome is thought to occur due to intercostal nerve branches (T7-12) that are entrapped in the rectus abdominis muscles. The diagnosis is largely based on subjective clues in patient history and physical examination. A test referred to as the scratch collapse test (SCT) is used as an additional diagnostic tool in peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes such as the carpal tunnel syndrome. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether an SCT was positive in patients with suspected ACNES. If so, this finding may support its hypothesized neuropathic character. A prospective, case-control study was performed among patients with ACNES (n = 20) and two control groups without ACNES (acute intra-abdominal pathology n = 20; healthy n = 20), all were consecutively included. ACNES was diagnosed based on previously published criteria. The SCT test was executed at the painful abdominal area in both patient groups and at a corresponding area in healthy controls. Predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Videos of tests were evaluated by blinded observers. SCT was judged positive in 19 of 20 ACNES patients but not in any of the 40 controls. A 95% sensitivity (confidence interval [CI]: 75-99) and optimal specificity (100%; CI: 83-100) were calculated. The positive SCT supports the hypothesis that ACNES is an entrapment neuropathy. A positive SCT should be considered a major diagnostic criterion for ACNES.

Updates to the Physiologic Mechanism, Anatomical Sites, and Diagnostic Utility of the Scratch Collapse Test: A Systematic Review.

The scratch collapse test (SCT) has gained popularity as a physical examination technique for diagnosing compression neuropathy. This systematic review aims to assess the reliability of the SCT as a diagnostic tool for compression neuropathy, as well as to propose the underlying physiological mechanisms involved. Specific criteria was developed to broaden the potential anatomical applications of the SCT. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Eleven articles meeting predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected for numerical analysis, which yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy values. In total, 890 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were reported in 10 studies. The mean (±SD) sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 0.442 ± 0.272, 0.788 ± 0.163, 0.834 ± 0.143, 0.433 ± 0.297, and 48.8% (range, 31%-82%), respectively. Of the studies that provided interrater reliability (κ), the mean was 0.544 ± 0.441, indicating moderate agreement. A total of 121 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were reported in three studies, with a mean (±SD) sensitivity and specificity of 0.635 ± 0.367 and 0.945 ± 0.06, respectively. Twenty-four patients with peroneal nerve compression, reported in one study, had sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 0.77, 0.99, 0.95, 0.92, and 93%, respectively. Current literature indicates that the SCT can serve as a provocative test to assist in diagnosing compression neuropathy. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of reported values underscores the necessity for further investigation aimed at enhancing the objectivity of SCT, thus improving interrater reliability and minimizing potential bias.

The Scratch-Collapse Test: Are Electrodiagnostic Changes Measurable?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly managed by hand and upper extremity surgeons. Though electrodiagnostics are considered the gold standard diagnosis, the scratch collapse test (SCT) was introduced to address uncertainty, despite remains controversial. To address this, we sought to identify if the SCT can correlate with EDS studies if the SCT can identify actual changes in measures of nerves. We reviewed patients who underwent electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) and SCT for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Demographic data as well as sensorimotor amplitudes, latencies, and velocities on nerve conduction and electromyography were collected. Analogous values based on SCT findings were analyzed for statistical significance. Three hundred fifty patients with CTS were included. Sensory and motor velocities and amplitudes were significantly lower in patients with a positive SCT. Motor values were independent of age, though younger patients had larger measured changes. Obese patients did not show any motor EDX changes with the scratch collapse test, though thinner patients did. All changes were seen in nerve conduction only. Carpal tunnel can be a difficult problem to diagnose as one study does not singularly determine the condition. The SCT was introduced to facilitate easier diagnosis. We demonstrate that the SCT correlates with changes on nerve conduction studies, especially in relation to decreased amplitudes and velocities, suggesting that it does identify changes in nerve with compression, specifically axonal, and myelin damage. These findings support the use of the SCT maneuver to evaluate and diagnose in appropriate patients.

POSITIVE SCRATCH COLLAPSE TEST IN ANTERIOR CUTANEOUS NERVE ENTRAPMENT SYNDROME (ACNES): EVIDENCE FOR A PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY?

Abstract Background Chronic abdominal pain is occasionally caused by an abdominal wall entity such as Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (ACNES). This syndrome is thought to occur due to entrapped intercostal nerve branches (Th7-12) within the rectus abdominis muscles. This clinical diagnosis is based on subjective clues in patient history and physical examination. In contrast, in carpal tunnel syndrome an additional diagnostic test is used, which is referred to as the scratch collapse test (SCT). The SCT has shown positive results not only in other peripheral entrapment neuropathies involving the ulnar, peroneal, and long thoracic nerve, but also in three recently described ACNES patients. We investigated whether the SCT is of diagnostic use in patients suspected of having ACNES. Method A prospective, case-control study was performed among patients with ACNES (n = 20) and two control groups without ACNES (acute abdomen n = 20; healthy n = 20), all were consecutively included. ACNES was diagnosed based on previously published criteria. The SCT test was executed at the painful abdominal area in both patient groups and at a corresponding area in healthy controls. Predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Videos of tests were evaluated by blinded observers. Results SCT was judged positive in 19 of 20 ACNES patients, but not in any of the 40 controls. A 95% sensitivity (CI:75–99) and 100% specificity (CI: 83–100) were calculated. Conclusion This study provides strong evidence that ACNES should be considered as an entrapment neuropathy, while a positive SCT should be considered as a major diagnostic criterion.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Examination Maneuvers for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.

Our purpose was to assess the diagnostic validity (sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp)) of physical examination maneuvers for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).This meta-analysis utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist.Studies assessing exam maneuvers (including components of the CTS-6) for CTS were identified in MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) and Embase (Excerpta Medica Database) databases.Assessed maneuvers assessed included: Phalen's test, Tinel's sign, Durkan test, scratch-collapse test, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM), and static 2-point discrimination (2PD) test.Data extracted included: article name, total number of subjects/hands, type of exam, and exam Sn/Sp.Forest plots were presented to display the estimated Sn/Sp and boxplots were used to demonstrate the locality, spread, and skewness of the Sn/Sp through the quartiles.After screening 570 articles, 67 articles involving 8924 hands were included. Forty-eight articles assessed Phalen's test, 45 assessed Tinel's sign, 21 assessed the Durkan test, seven assessed the scratch-collapse test, 11 assessed SWM, and six assessed the static 2PD test. Phalen's test demonstrated the greatest median Sn (0.70, (Q1, Q3): (0.51, 0.85)), followed by the Durkan test (0.67, (Q1, Q3): (0.46, 0.82)). 2PD demonstrated the highest median Sp (0.90, (Q1, Q3): (0.88, 0.90)), followed by SWM (0.85, (Q1, Q3): (0.51, 0.89)). There is considerable variability with respect to the validity of physical exam tests used in the diagnosis of CTS.Upper-extremity surgeons should be aware of inherent limitations for individual exam maneuvers. In the absence of a uniformly accepted diagnostic gold standard, a combination of exams, along with pertinent patient history, should guide the diagnosis of CTS.

In Reply: Paraspinal Scratch Collapse Test for Cervical Radiculopathy.

To the Editor: As with any clinical test, it needs to be performed right. We thank Drs Chang and Choi1 for doing the study we wanted to perform.2 We are excited that our letter generated enough interest for people to build on it and test it prospectively. We are in the process of doing this ourselves. However, we are disappointed at their results; we have been consistently using the scratch (sensory) collapse test (SCT) in our clinic with very good and reliable results specially to sort out “double” crush syndrome. Any clinical test is as good as the examiner performing the test. Showing 0% results only tells us that the test was not performed correctly, despite the authors' extensive experience. This is partially our fault for not conveying well how to perform the test. We would like to see their study go through peer review and be published. It is not clear from their letter how far after the lidocaine block the test was performed and what level the radiculopathy was. One caveat with performing the test on paraspinal muscles is upper, middle, vs lower cervical paraspinals. We found that for a midcervical disk such as C4-C5, SCT was positive over midcervical paraspinals only, and for a lower disk such as C7-T1, SCT was only positive over lower cervical paraspinals. We hope that this discussion will incite more people to use SCT in clinic and publish their data. Again, we thank Drs Chang and Choi for this interesting discussion, and we thank the editorial office for allowing us to publish it.

Using the Scratch Collapse Test to Detect Clinical or Subclinical Peroneal Palsy in the Hospitalized Patient in Order to Prevent Falls

INTRODUCTION: The scratch collapse test (SCT) is an examination tool that can be used to localize and confirm a variety of nerve conditions. The implications and clinical utility in an inpatient population has not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of SCT in a subset of hospitalized patients in order to identify the presence of subclinical PNP and thereby prevent falls.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHODS: Hospitalized adult trauma patients at a single, academic, level one trauma center were recruited for the study. Patients found to have a positive scratch collapse test of the peroneal nerve were randomized to either receive a short period of inpatient physical therapy or serve as a no-intervention control.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: Overall 29 patients (70.7%) recorded a positive SCT. Of those, 6 (20.7%) patients recorded a post-discharge fall. There were 14 patients with a positive SCT in the physical therapy intervention group with 2 patients (14.3%) who recorded a fall. There were 15 patients with a positive SCT in the no intervention group with 4 patients (26.7%) who recorded a fall.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: In this study, the SCT was used to identify subclinical peroneal nerve palsy, which could potentially lead to increased falls. While larger sample sizes are required for an adequately powered study, the SCT may serve as an inexpensive, useful tool in predicting which patients could be vulnerable to a post hospital fall due to subclinical peroneal nerve palsy.

Diagnostic capability of the scratch collapse test compared with other clinical diagnostic tests for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective case-control study

Background: Diagnostic performance of the scratch collapse test for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is not clear. This study evaluated its diagnostic capability for CTS diagnosis in comparison with other widely used clinical CTS tests, including the Tinel’s sign, Phalen’s test, and Durkan’s test. Methods: In a prospective case-control study, 78 CTS patients and 78 group-matched healthy control subjects were included. The electrodiagnostic testing was regarded as a reference standard CTS diagnostic method. The tests were conducted separately for the case and control groups; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the tests were calculated. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of CTS diagnosis were 7.7%, 100%, 100%, 52% and 53.8% for the scratch collapse test; 91%, 97.4%, 97.3%, 91.6%, and 94.2% for the Tinel’s sign test; 84.6%, 100%,100%, 88.6%, and 93.6% for the Phalen’s test; and 87.2%, 100%, 100%, 88.6%, and 93.6% for the Durkan’s test, respectively. Conclusions: Scratch collapse test has a low sensitivity and accuracy for diagnosing CTS. These results do not support its routine use for the diagnosis of CTS. Level of Evidence: Level III

Evaluation of different physical examination methods for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

In the present study, to evaluate the diagnostic value of different physical examination methods for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the scratch collapse test (SCT) and hand elevation test were compared with other traditional tests, such as Tinel's, Phalen's and reverse Phalen's tests, in an aim to improve the current diagnostic standards for CTS. The present study examined 236 (465 hands) patients with CTS and 96 (170 hands) controls who were enrolled in the study from December, 2019 to January, 2021. The participants in both groups were of the same age range, with equal male‑to‑female ratios. An examiner who was familiar with all maneuvers performed the Tinel's, Phalen's and reverse Phalen's tests, as well as the SCT and the hand elevation test in the two groups. The examiner was blinded to the patient histories and diagnoses. The sensitivities and specificities of all the tests were as follows: Tinel's test, 0.4194 and 0.7706; Phalen's test, 0.5613 and 0.7353; reverse Phalen's test, 0.5527 and 0.7882; SCT, 0.6774 and 0.7176; and hand elevation test, 0.7548 and 0.6059, respectively. The sensitivities of the SCT and hand elevation test were significantly higher than those of the other three tests. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the SCT and hand elevation test were 0.6975 and 0.6804, respectively, both of which were higher than those of Tinel's (0.5950), Phalen's (0.6483) and reverse Phalen's (0.6705) tests. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the SCT is objective, reliable and has a high sensitivity. Furthermore, the hand elevation test is easy to perform, reproducible and has a high sensitivity. These newer tests are valuable for the diagnosis of CTS and can improve the current diagnostic standard system.

The Accuracy of Provocative Tests on Diabetic Patients with Suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndome and Comparison with Nondiabetics

Objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients differ in some aspects from those in the nondiabetic population. The study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of widely used provocative tests in the diabetic population in comparison to nondiabetic population. Materials and Methods: 87 nondiabetic and 25 diabetic hands suspicious of carpal tunnel syndrome were included in this retrospective study. The presence of carpal tunnel syndrome is confirmed by nerve conduction studies. The hands were divided into DM- and DM+ groups based on patients’ diabetes mellitus history. From patient records, results of Tinel’s, Phalen’s, Durkan’s, median nerve compression, and scratch collapse tests were obtained. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of tests are calculated for each population and then compared with each other. Results: Tinel’s test had a higher sensitivity in the diabetic population. Accuracies of Phalen’s, Durkan’s, median nerve compression, and scratch collapse tests in diabetic patients were similar to those in diabetic patients. None of the tests had a high enough sensitivity to be used alone in either group. Scratch collapse test had very high specificity in both groups but very low sensitivity. Conclusion: The studied provocative tests have comparable accuracy for carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients to those in nondiabetic patients, with Tinel even having higher sensitivity. But excluding scratch collapse test, none of the tests is strong enough to achieve a diagnosis and none is sensitive enough to rule out a disease.

Validity of Using the Scratch Collapse Test in the Lower Extremities.

The scratch collapse test is a provocative test that has been successfully used for peripheral neuropathies. The elbow is the main testing site, but there may be times when use of the upper extremities is contraindicated. This study sought to determine the sensitivity of using the scratch collapse test on the lower extremity for upper extremity neuropathies. One hundred patients with an electromyographically confirmed diagnosis of carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome were prospectively enrolled. As a control, the scratch collapse test was conducted normally using the elbow as a testing site. After a baseline was established, the test was repeated using eversion of the foot and ankle against an inversion force. Of the 100 study patients, 89 had a positive scratch collapse test on the upper extremity and 84 had a positive test on the lower extremity. In the 51 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, 45 had a positive test on the upper extremity (sensitivity, 88.2 percent; 95 percent CI, 76.13 to 95.56 percent), and 42 had a positive test of the lower extremity (sensitivity, 82.35 percent; 95 percent CI, 69.13 to 91.60 percent). In the 49 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome, 44 had a positive test on the upper extremity (sensitivity, 89.8 percent; 95 percent CI, 77.77 to 96.6 percent), and 42 had a positive test on the lower extremity (sensitivity, 85.7 percent; 95 percent CI, 72.76 to 94.06 percent). There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivities of the scratch collapse test on the upper or lower extremities, suggesting that the lower extremity could serve as an alternative site for the scratch collapse test. Diagnostic, II.

The Scratch Collapse Test for Diagnosis and Treatment of Trigger Sites for Migraine Surgery.

Summary:Diagnosis of trigger sites for migraine surgery relies on history to detect a constellation of symptoms and secondarily, nerve blocks, imaging studies, and Doppler probe examination. The scratch collapse test (SCT) has been described for localization of compressive neuropathies in the upper and lower extremities. In this study, we hypothesized that the SCT could also be used to diagnose trigger sites for surgical planning in migraine surgery. Eleven consecutive patients presenting for migraine surgery, and four patients presenting with recurrent headaches and secondary trigger sites after initial successful migraine surgery were examined with the SCT using a standard protocol to assess involvement of bilateral sites I, II, IV, V, and VI, with the carpal tunnel as a negative control. The SCT was positive bilaterally at sites I, II, IV, V, and VI for all patients presenting primarily for migraine surgery, regardless of trigger sites localized by history and other secondary modalities. The SCT, however, correlated with secondary trigger sites localized through history and examination for patients presenting with recurrent migraine headaches after previous primary surgery. The SCT is not reliable for localization of trigger sites in patients presenting primarily for migraine surgery. This likely relates to central sensitization of migraine headaches, leading to global cutaneous allodynia in the head and neck. In patients with recurrent migraine headaches, abrogation of central sensitization following the initial surgery allows diagnosis of secondary trigger sites through the SCT.

Current diagnosis and management of carpal tunnel syndrome: A review

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition when median nerve, located in the carpal tunnel, is being suppressed by the surrounding structure. In 1854, the first clinical narration of median nerve compression in a carpal tunnel was found. CTS causes pain, tingling, and weakness in the half ring finger, middle finger, index finger, and thumb. These complaints lead the patients to seek medical help by a visiting doctor. CTS has become the major cause of upper extremity chronic neuropathic pain. CTS affects women 3.6 times more than men. This would cause high costs in medical treatment, rehabilitation, work hours lost compensation, initial pension costs, and new worker training. This makes CTS as a major problem in the field of employment. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of chronic repetitive forceful work and other risk factors such as sex, age, heredity, hormonal, and weight. Knowledge of the diagnosis and comprehensive management of CTS are important to the doctor. Recent management based on the newest guidelines are important for clinician knowledge update. Correct diagnosis will lead to appropriate management based on recent CTS guidelines, which in turn will improve the quality of life for patients with CTS. This article will comprehensively discuss the diagnosis and recent management.&#x0D; Abbreviations: CTS - Carpal tunnel syndrome; NHIS - National Health Interview Study; EDX - Electrodiagnostic studies; SCT - Scratch Collapse Test; CSA - Cross-sectional area; PRP - Platelet-rich plasma; LLLT - Low-Level Laser Therapy; US – Ultrasound; DN - Dry needling; ECTR - Endoscopic carpal tunnel release; PDI - perineural dextrose injection; BCTQ - Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire&#x0D; Key word: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS); neuropathy; pain; numbness; safe working environment; human; disease&#x0D; Citation: Hidayati HB, Subadi I, Fidiana, Puspamaniar VA. Current diagnosis and management of carpal tunnel syndrome: A review. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2022;26(3):394-404. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v26i3.1902&#x0D; Received: August 16, 2021; Reviewed: April 24, 2022; Accepted: April 28, 2022

Билатеральная компрессия срединного нерва апоневрозом двуглавой мышцы плеча на уровне локтевого сустава (Лацертус-синдром)

Lacertus fibrosus entrapment of the median nerve at the elbow, or Lacertus syndrome, is a rare pathology, which is difficult to detect by instrumental examination methods. Literary sources provide no information on the syndrome prevalence, as well as on precise diagnosis and treatment algorithms, which makes it difficult to establish the diagnosis and appoint the effective treatment. Lacertus syndrome is characterized by positive scratch collapse test; differential diagnosis is required to distinguish it from carpal tunnel syndrome. Clinical case of bilateral lacertus fibrosus entrapment of the median nerve at the elbow is reported, Lacertus syndrome diagnosis criteria and surgical treatment method are set out. The results of the surgical tactics used are as follows: pain, paresthesia and numbness in the innervation field of the median nerve have vanished, the muscle strength has been restored to level М5 in accordance with MRC muscle strength scale. These results demonstrate high efficiency of the proposed lacertus syndrome surgical treatment.

Objective evaluation of the ``scratch collapse test'' for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

PurposeEvaluate the Scratch Collapse Test in an objective way, by replacing the subjective evaluation made by the physician with an objective evaluation measure, made with a digital dynamometer. MethodsObservational study carried out, in 90 patients divided into three groups of 30 patients, taking into account the electromyographic study of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel (no alteration, moderate, severe).The external rotation of the shoulder was measured in four different situations (no scratch, scratch over the carpal tunnel, scratch in the dorsum of the wrist and scratch in the shoulder). ResultsThere were no statistical differences in the result of the strength in any of the four different situations in patients without carpal tunnel of with moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. However, there were statistical differences between the basal measurement (without scratching) and the measurement after tunnel scratching in patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome. But this statistical difference was only 0.08 kg in the average measure, and this difference is clinically undetectable and far for producing a real collapse of the external rotation of the shoulder. ConclusionThe Scratch Collapse Test is not a valid diagnostic exam for carpal tunnel syndrome if the strength is measured in an objective manner.

Accuracy of the Scratch Collapse Test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Comparison With Electrodiagnostic Studies.

Background: The scratch collapse test (SCT) is a clinical examination maneuver that has been previously reported as a reliable and reproducible test to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The initial study by Cheng et al in 2008 showed a simple test with high sensitivity. However, subsequent attempts to reproduce those findings have resulted in lower accuracy. Our goal was to evaluate the use of the SCT for patients presenting with symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness in an upper extremity. Methods: Forty patients were referred to the electrodiagnostic (EDX) lab for evaluation of an upper extremity. One blinded examiner who was familiar with the maneuver performed the SCT on all 40 patients. Another physician or technician performed the nerve conduction study and electromyography. Patient history and accompanying physical examination findings were not revealed to the SCT examiner. Results: The relationship between the SCT performed by a blinded examiner and the EDX performed by blinded examiners was nonsignificant (P = .676) and showed a sensitivity of 0.48, specificity of 0.59, positive predictive value of 0.61, and negative predictive value of 0.45. Conclusion: Based on this study and previous findings by other authors, we would advise against the use of the SCT in CTS for important patient-care decisions, such as surgical decision-making, until future research is done. It is possible that the SCT, in combination with other physical examination maneuvers, could increase diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient management.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Current Concepts.

Compressive neuropathy of the ulnar nerve across the elbow is a common diagnosis encountered frequently within a hand and upper extremity clinical practice. Appropriate and timely evaluation, diagnosis, objective testing, and evidence-based decisions regarding treatment options are paramount in the optimal care of the patient with this pathology. An understanding of current literature is critical in determining and understanding best practices. A thorough review of the recent literature regarding physical examination, diagnostic testing, and nonoperative versus operative results was performed. Regarding physical examination, the glenohumeral internal rotation test and scratch collapse test are more effective and sensitive than traditional maneuvers such as Tinel's testing and the elbow flexion test. Electrodiagnostic testing, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound evaluation have all been shown to be effective in diagnosing cubital tunnel syndrome. However, no single test has proven itself to be superior. Nonoperative treatment can be successful for mild cases of cubital tunnel syndrome. Surgical release techniques comparing open with endoscopic release are equivocal, and in situ release versus transposition techniques show that transposition should not be performed routinely. The diagnosis and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome do not have a well-defined algorithm based on current literature. The treating physician must therefore utilize the available information to determine a diagnostic and treatment plan individualized to the patient. More rigorous scientific studies are needed to determine the most effective surgical approaches for cubital tunnel syndrome.