Symptomatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research Articles

Hereditary neuropathy associated with liability to pressure palsies: a 24-year experience with carpal and cubital tunnel surgery.

The aim of this single-centre retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of carpal tunnel release surgery in patients with hereditary neuropathy with pressure palsies (HNPP). The secondary aims were to identify prognostic factors for the outcome of carpal tunnel release and to assess the outcome of cubital tunnel release. Our primary hypothesis was postoperative improvement. In total, 18 patients (26 carpal tunnel releases) with at least one symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome were included. At a median follow-up of 8.5 years, more than 73% of the patients were satisfied with the results. The visual analogue scale (0 to 10) for discomfort decreased by 2.2 points (p < 0.001). The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptom severity scale decreased by 1.3 points (p < 0.001). The decrease in the Functional Status Scale was not significant. No significant prognostic factor for outcome was identified. A total of 12 patients also underwent cubital tunnel release, and three patients underwent just this procedure (23 procedures). Despite the lack of preoperative data, cubital tunnel release provided encouraging results. Level of evidence: III.

A Logistic Regression Analysis of Factors Associated with Guarded Outcome after Carpal Tunnel Release in Symptomatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is a validated measurement tool to assess the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, and improvements in the BCTQ after carpal tunnel release (CTR) have been demonstrated to influence patient satisfaction. The authors hypothesized that patient-related factors influence response in BCTQ subscales, including the Symptom Severity Scale and the Functional Status Scale, after CTR. Patients who underwent surgery with follow-up BCTQ were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Paired t tests were used to compare BCTQ subscales at each follow-up time point. Minimal clinically important differences were set. Patients below these thresholds were deemed as having failure to improve after CTR. Univariate analysis was used to identify risk factors for failure to improve after CTR. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors for failure to improve after CTR. A total of 106 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients demonstrated significant improvements at all follow-up time points. The factor most associated with improvement beyond the minimal clinically important differences was a more severe score in the respective domain assessed. Other independent factors that influenced outcome after CTR included race, concomitant cubital tunnel release, sex, and age. CTR results in significant improvements in BCTQ and its subscales, with improvements stabilizing after 6 weeks. In a select cohort of patients, failure to improve after CTR occurs with factors independently associated with a lower degree of improvement. Identification of patients with these risk factors will provide a basis for counseling and increased monitoring of patients at risk for a guarded prognosis. Risk, III.

Endoscopic release of the carpal tunnel using the Agee technique modified by Neumann

Decompression of the median nerve by complete endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) and the distal antebrachial fascia. Minimization of surgical trauma results in decreased postoperative morbidity and earlier return to work and daily activities. Symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome. Revision surgery after open or endoscopic procedure, rheumatic diseases. Small transverse incision at the ulnar border of the palmaris longus tendon, and proximal to the distal wrist flexion crease. Exposure and incision of the antebrachial fascia, dilatation of the carpal tunnel and dissection of synovial tissue from the undersurface of the TCL. With the wrist in extension, the endoscopic blade assembly with integrated camera is inserted into the canal. Exposure of TCL and short incision in the middle portion. Gradually, dissection of the distal portion of the TCL then completion by retraction of the blade distally to proximally. Slightly compressive dressing, selfcare on day1 after procedure. More than 25years of experience, more than 8000 treated patients, and 3 documented cases with intraoperative lesions of the median nerve requiring revision. High acceptance and patient satisfaction in AQS1patient-reported surveillance.

Protocol of a Multicenter Prospective Trial of Office-Based Carpal Tunnel Release With Ultrasound Guidance (ROBUST).

Background Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is a common surgical procedure for patients with severe or refractory carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms. Historically, CTR procedures have been performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). However, due to advancements in techniques, greater patient demand, and concerns about growing healthcare costs, there is a distinct trend toward performing CTR procedures in an office-based setting. Several small studies with limited follow-up duration have demonstrated the feasibility of CTR with ultrasound guidance (CTR-US) when performed in an office-based setting. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of office-based CTR-US in a large cohort of patients (n=140) with symptomatic CTS followed for two years post-treatment. Design and methods ROBUST is a prospective multicenter observational study in which 140 subjects at up to 12 sites in the United States will be treated with CTR-US in an office-based setting. The primary endpoint of the study is the change in the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale score. Secondary endpoints include time to return to normal daily activities, time to return to work among employed subjects, change in the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Scale score, change in the Michigan Hand Questionnaire overall and domain scores, change in the Numeric Pain Scale score, change in the EuroQoL-5 Dimension 5-Level score, global satisfaction scores, and the incidence of deviceor procedure-related adverse events. The primary analysis of study endpoints will occur three months post-treatment. Patient follow-up in this study will continue for two years. Conclusions A central institutional review board approved the study protocol, and a data safety monitoring board will provide study oversight. The authors plan to report study results at medical conferences and in peer-reviewed medical journals. The outcomes of ROBUST will provide physicians, patients, and payors with important safety and effectiveness data regarding the clinical utility of CTR-US when performed in an office setting.

Potential Relationships between the Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area and Physical Characteristics in Unilateral Symptomatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients

The present study investigated the relationships between the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) and physical characteristics in patients with unilateral symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, results of electrodiagnostic testing (EDX), and median nerve CSA at the level of the wrist crease were recorded in 81 patients with CTS who presented with symptoms on only one side. Correlation coefficients between median nerve CSA and physical characteristics, disease duration, and results of EDX were analyzed. Median nerve CSA at the wrist crease (mm2) was significantly larger on the symptomatic side (14.1 ± 3.8) than on the asymptomatic side (11.5 ± 2.9). Median nerve CSA correlated with body weight (correlation coefficient = 0.39) and BMI (correlation coefficient = 0.44) on the asymptomatic side, but not on the symptomatic side. These correlations were slightly stronger in females (correlation coefficient = 0.46) than in males (correlation coefficient = 0.40). No correlations between median nerve CSA and disease duration and the results of EDX were observed in both sides. In patients with unilateral symptomatic CTS, median nerve CSA correlated with BMI only on the asymptomatic side. The present results suggest that the relationship between median nerve CSA and BMI in CTS is significant until symptom onset but may be masked by edema and pseudoneuroma after its onset. A higher BMI is associated with a larger CSA of the median nerve, which may be a risk factor for the development of CTS.

To Study the Impact of Wrist Splints and Nerve Tendon Gliding Exercises on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Women who Work at Computers and in Women Who Do Not

Background: To study the difference between the effects of wrist splint and nerve tendon gliding exercises forcarpal tunnel syndrome in women with computer desk job and the difference between the effects of wrist splintand nerve tendon gliding exercises in non computer desk job women with carpal tunnel syndrome.Methods: 34 Females objects with symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome were selected randomly with age groupbetween 25-30 years with due consideration to inclusion and exclusion criteria. In this study 34 subjects areselected. They were randomly divided into two groups using lottery method. In group A (Non Computer deskjob women) wrist splint&amp; Exercises was given. In group B (Computer desk job women) Nerve tendon glidingtechnique &amp; exercises was done for 6 weeks. The beneficial effect of gliding exercises may be the mobilization ofthe nerve directly or facilitation of venous return or oedema dispersal. The pressure in the carpal tunnel is lowestin neutral wrist flexion extension range, with the pressure rising significantly as the wrist is moved into flexion orextension. Splint with the wrist in a neutral position, at night and during the day is used for starting 3 weeks andany at night during rest of period. Analyzing scores after 6 weeks the mean and SD values for pre and post FSSSores of group A were 27 &amp;21. 64 and 1.36 &amp; 1.80 respectively.Conclusion: The study showed that there was decrease in the pain and improvement in the functional abilitystatistically in carpal tunnel syndrome women with computer desk job by performing nerve and tendon glidingexercises and wrist splinting for both the groups for a period of 6weeks. This concluded that there was equalimprovement in pain in both the groups but the functional ability is more improved after the nerve and tendongliding exercises in group B. Therefore this study is rejecting the null hypothesis and accepts the alternatehypothesis.

National trends in the initial diagnosis and management of carpal tunnel syndrome: results from the ELECTS (ELEctrophysiology in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) study.

The optimal role of nerve conduction studies (NCS) in management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is unclear, with no standardised guidance. This study aimed to identify variation in practice in the initial diagnosis of patients with suspected CTS, alongside evaluating how NCS findings influence clinical decision making. A national multicentre collaborative survey was conducted in 2021. All centres providing surgery for CTS were invited to participate, primarily via social media. All middle-senior grade orthopaedic/plastic surgeons and advanced care practitioners that regularly manage new referrals for suspected CTS were eligible to respond. Local representatives at each participating site submitted their responses to a central team who collated and analysed the results. A total of 137 healthcare professionals responded from 18 UK NHS Trusts. Of these 137, 124 (91%) reported not employing any validated clinical questionnaires in their routine practice, preferring to rely on clinical diagnosis and/or NCS if available, whereas 84 (61%) utilised NCS to aid diagnosis, with significant differences among professionals with differing experience (p < 0.01). The most common methods for determining the severity of CTS were history, examination and NCS. In symptomatic CTS with confirmatory NCS, over 50% of clinicians would choose surgical decompression as their first-line intervention. In cases of either negative NCS or atypical presentation, 37% and 51%, respectively, would consider conservative management (e.g. splintage) or steroid injection first line. With growing waiting lists for NCS and surgery, national consensus guidelines should be developed to support decision making, while maximising efficient utilisation of increasingly constrained resources.

Trial of ultrasound guided carpal tunnel release versus traditional open release (TUTOR).

Background:Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is a surgical treatment option for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms that are unresponsive to conservative treatment. Most patients experience symptomatic relief after CTR regardless of the surgical technique. However, direct comparisons of the safety and effectiveness between CTR surgical techniques are limited. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the safety and effectiveness of CTR with ultrasound guidance (CTR-US) versus mini-open CTR (mOCTR) in subjects with symptomatic CTS.Design and methods:TUTOR (Trial of Ultrasound guided CTR versus Traditional Open Release) is a randomized controlled trial in which 120 subjects at up to 12 sites in the United States will be randomized (2:1) to receive CTR-US or mOCTR. The primary endpoint of the study is the percentage of patients who return to normal daily activities within 3 days of the procedure. Secondary endpoints of the study are median time to return to normal daily activities, percentage of patients who return to work within 3 days of the procedure, median time to return to work, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale (BCTQ-SSS) change score at 3 months, BCTQ Functional Status Scale (BCTQ-FSS) change score at 3 months, Numeric Pain Scale change score at 3 months, EuroQoL-5 Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) change score at 3 months, and the incidence of device- or procedure-related adverse events at 3 months. Patient follow-up in this trial will continue for 1 year.Ethics and dissemination:This study was approved by a central institutional review board and ongoing trial oversight will be provided by a data safety monitoring board (DSMB). The authors intend to report the results of this trial at medical conferences and peer-reviewed journals. The outcomes of TUTOR will have important clinical and economic implications for all stakeholders involved in treating patients with CTS.Study registration:ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov): NCT05405218.Level of evidence:1

Quantitative parameters of diffusion tensor imaging in the evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome.

To explore the value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-derived metrics in quantitative evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This prospective cross-sectional study included 39 wrists from 24 symptomatic CTS patients, who underwent clinical, electrophysiological, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations. In addition, 10 wrists of 6 healthy participants were included as controls. Clinical and nerve conduction study (NCS) findings were evaluated and graded according to the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), respectively. We performed MRI using a 1.5 Tesla scanner. Mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) of the median nerve at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) (d), the inlet of the carpal tunnel (CT) at the pisiform level (i), the middle of the CT (m) and the outlet of the CT at the level of the hook of hamate (o), cross-sectional area at the inlet of the CT (iCSA), and the difference between MD and FA of the DRUJ and the outlet of CT (Delta MD and Delta FA) were measured. The CTS patients had significantly lower FA [for example, oFA: mean difference 0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05 to 0.12] and significantly higher MD than healthy participants (for example, iMD: mean difference 0.3, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.57). There was a negative correlation between iCSA with iFA and between mFA and oFA (-0.5<R<-0.4). There was a positive correlation between distal motor latency time and Delta MD (R=0.57) and a negative correlation between distal motor latency time and Delta FA (R=-0.51). The FA demonstrated a somewhat strong negative correlation with the Boston scores for symptom and function. The DTI-derived quantitative metrics add potential value to the evaluation of CTS. Alterations in the FA of the median nerve along the CT are the most significant features of CTS and reflect the degree of median nerve compression and clinical deficit. With a cutoff value of 0.45, FA at the carpal outlet has a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 85.7% in the diagnosis of CTS, respectively.

Concomitant Total Shoulder Arthroplasty and Ipsilateral Carpal Tunnel Release: Is It Safe?

Symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with advanced ipsilateral glenohumeral arthritis requiring total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) may be easily overlooked. Even when diagnosed beforehand, most upper extremity surgeons have historically chosen to perform TSA and carpal tunnel release (CTR) separately. We hypothesized that combined single-stage TSA and CTR is feasible and yields results comparable with those when the 2 procedures are performed separately, while avoiding 2 surgeries. This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent single-stage primary TSA and ipsilateral CTR between 2015 and 2019. The shoulder outcomes included pain, range of motion, and validated quality of life (QoL) questionnaires: Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) and Penn Shoulder Score. The CTR outcomes included pain, grip, pinch, VR-12, shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH), and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The time to the initiation of rehabilitation and complications were also analyzed. The comparison group consisted of patients who underwent independent TSA or CTR during the same period. Forty-one patients underwent concomitant TSA and CTR, 248 underwent isolated TSA, and 154 underwent isolated CTR. The shoulder outcomes of patients who underwent the combined procedure were similar to those of patients who underwent isolated TSA in terms of pain, range of motion, general QoL (VR-12), and shoulder-specific QoL (Penn Shoulder Score). The outcomes of patients who underwent the combined procedure were similar to those of patients who underwent isolated CTR in terms of pain, grip and pinch, general QoL (VR-12), QuickDASH, and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The time to the initiation of rehabilitation was also comparable. Concomitant CTR and TSA are feasible. The functional outcomes and QoL of patients who underwent the concomitant treatment were comparable with those of patients who underwent the 2 procedures separately. Therapeutic IV.

Difference and ratio of the cross-sectional area of median nerve at the carpal tunnel and the pronator quadratus muscle in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundAt present, the most commonly used diagnostic method of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is based on clinical manifestations and electrophysiology, but the electrophysiology is not cheap, invasive, and lacks the presentation of peripheral nerve conditions, which is exactly the advantage of ultrasound (US). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of US in the diagnosis of CTS by calculating the cross-sectional area (CSA) at the carpal tunnel and proximally at the level of the pronator quadratus muscle., and to find an appropriate index that can be used to achieve the diagnosis in a more cost-effective manner.MethodsForty-three wrists from 35 symptomatic CTS patients and 23 wrists from 18 asymptomatic volunteers were evaluated. Diagnosis in the CTS group was based on the American Academy of Neurology clinical diagnostic criteria. The ultrasonic probe was placed at the carpal tunnel and the distal 1/3 of the pronator muscle respectively, and the carpal tunnel cross-sectional area (CSAC) and the proximal cross-sectional area (CSAP) was calculated, with a further calculation of their difference (ΔCSA) and ratio (R-CSA).ResultsThere was a significant difference between the 2 groups regarding mean ± standard deviation (SD) of CSAC, CSAP, ΔCSA, and R-CSA (P<0.01). The cutoff value of 12.14 mm2 for CSAC had a sensitivity and specificity of 90.7% and 100%, respectively; the cutoff value of 1.235 mm2 for R-CSA had a sensitivity and specificity of 97.67% and 95.65%, respectively; and the cutoff value of 2.035 mm2 for ΔCSA had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 100%, respectively. Therefore, US was found to be an effective method for the diagnosis of CTS. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis of all patients showed area under the curve (AUC) was 0.9778 for CSAC, 0.9949 for R-CSA and 1.000 for ΔCSA.ConclusionsUS can provide reference values for the diagnosis of CTS. CSAC, ΔCSA, and R-CSA can be used for CTS diagnosis and evaluation. The ROC curve analysis showed that among the 3 values, ΔCSA was the most useful in the diagnosis of patients with CTS. ΔCSA is considered a valid diagnostic value for CTS, as its threshold of 2.04 mm2 showed the highest sensitivity and specificity.

Value of Modified Duran’s Test in Clinical Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition, the most common, most important, and best defined, and the most carefully studied of all nerve entrapment syndromes. Objective: Our study aims to evaluate clinical tests in the diagnosis of CTS with special reference to modified Duran’s test regarding specificity and sensitivity. Patients and Methods: A prospective study carried out on 300 hands in 240 patients with symptomatic CTS was taken, from August 2015 to February 2017, at Erbil Teaching hospital (Orthopedic department). History, clinical examination, and Electrophysiological by Electromyography and Nerve conduction study and 250 persons without symptoms on 300 hands were taken as a controlling group. We applied the five clinical provocative tests on each group, Phalen’s test, Tinal’s test, original Duran’s test, arm Tourniquet test, and Reversed Phalen’s test. In this research, we compared former tests by our test modification (Duran’s test), considering specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity. Results: Findings show that the modified Duran’s test was the most specific (94%), accurate (94%), and sensitive (94%) in comparison with the other provocative tests. The modified Duran test had the highest positivity rate, according to the cases in less than 1-month history of symptoms it reached: 81.8% which was higher than the result of the previous tests in comparison to the previous clinical tests. Its mean time was 11.5 s. Conclusions: Modified Duran’s test was simple, noninvasive, most sensitive, and most specific in comparison to other clinical tests. Furthermore, the reaction time of Modified Duran’s test was the shortest,

Bilateral flexor digitorum superficialis brevis of the little finger: a rare cause of carpal tunnel syndrome

An anatomical variant of flexor digitorum superficialis brevis is an uncommon condition that may be a pitfall in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, involving palpable mass and even characteristic symptoms. We present an unusual case of bilateral symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome related to the presence of a flexor digitorum superficialis brevis muscle of the little finger, and a critical review of the literature.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Symptomatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Local Corticosteroid Injection Versus Night Orthosis

For carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), local corticosteroid injection (corticosteroid), and/or wrist immobilization with night orthosis (orthosis) are commonly prescribed and are supported by strong evidence. The aim of this study was to compare orthosis versus corticosteroid for patients with CTS. A CTS diagnosis was made clinically and supported by electrodiagnostic study. Patients were randomly allocated to either orthosis or corticosteroid. Clinical assessments were performed before the intervention, within the first week of the intervention, and 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention. Primary outcomes were improvement in nocturnal paresthesia and Boston-Levine questionnaire (BLQ) score. Secondary outcomes were pain assessed by visual analog scale and complications. Of 100 patients enrolled in the study, 95 completed the planned follow-up (45 in the orthosis arm and 50 in the corticosteroid arm). Corticosteroid injections were superior to orthosis in remission of nocturnal paresthesia (remission rates at 1 month, 84.6% versus 43.83%; 3months, 71.1% versus 40.4%; and 6 months, 80.3% versus 28.8%). The BLQ scores (functional and symptom subscales) were also more favorable for corticosteroid at 1, 3, and 6 months (minimal clinically important differences for Function > 0.5 and Symptom > 0.16). Pain scores were lower and favored the corticosteroid group. There were no complications in either group. Both options are effective in the short term. Corticosteroid is superior to orthosis for improving CTS-related nocturnal paresthesia, BLQ scores, and pain. Therapeutic I.

Association of the role of personal variables and nonoccupational risk factors for work-related carpal tunnel syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to identify personal variables and nonoccupational risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome and to analyse the strength of association of these factors. We performed a case-control study with 162 cases and 300 controls. We studied consecutive patients with an electrophysiologically confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome. Univariate analysis was performed in the case group and control comparing them for presence of various risk factors. Multivariate analysis was carried out through logistic regression. The mean BMI and age were greater in the case group than in the control. Multivariate analysis showed that BMI (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.11) and arterial hypertension (OR = 4.63, 95% CI = 2.88-7.44) were the only factors significantly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The age, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking were at the edge of significance. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy and has been related to occupational activities in some but not all studies. Clarifying this relationship has important implications for workers' compensation systems. Based on our findings, BMI and arterial hypertension are considered to be the most significant risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome in our study.

Median Nerve Injury in Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection and Corticosteroid Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Purpose Permanent nerve damage after corticosteroid injection has been suggested when symptoms of median nerve injury (MNI) are irreversible. We assess the outcomes of MNI and their association with ultrasonography (US)-guided hydrodissection and the following corticosteroid injection for symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods US-guided hydrodissection and the following corticosteroid injections were administered to 126 CTS patients. Occurrence of MNI, clinical data, and post-hydrodissection findings were evaluated. Post-hydrodissection findings included vascular injury during hydrodissection, altered echogenicity, reduced flattening ratio, and increased cross-sectional area of the MN at the inlet of the carpal tunnel (MN-CSA-Inlet) on ultrasonography after hydrodissection. The relevance of MNI with respect to these clinical data and findings was determined. The outcome was rated using Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores. Results Nine patients suffered MNI (incidence, 7.1 %) but improved significantly at follow-up. Clinical data and vascular injury during hydrodissection, altered echogenicity, and reduced flattening ratio after hydrodissection were unrelated to prolonged transient MNI (p > 0.05). MNI was significantly associated with increased CSA (p = 0.005). A CSA increase > 2 mm2 after hydrodissection yielded the greatest performance (0.979) for MNI in the receiver operating characteristic analysis. Decreases in BCTQ scores after injection did not differ significantly between groups with and without MNI (p > 0.05). Conclusion MNI during hydrodissection may be reversible. MNI is indicated by an increase in MN-CSA-inlet immediately after hydrodissection.

Median Nerve Injury in Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection andCorticosteroid Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Permanent nerve damage after corticosteroid injection has been suggested when symptoms of median nerve injury (MNI) are irreversible. We assess the outcomes of MNI and their association with ultrasonography (US)-guided hydrodissection and the following corticosteroid injection for symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). US-guided hydrodissection and the following corticosteroid injections were administered to 126 CTS patients. Occurrence of MNI, clinical data, and post-hydrodissection findings were evaluated. Post-hydrodissection findings included vascular injury during hydrodissection, altered echogenicity, reduced flattening ratio, and increased cross-sectional area of the MN at the inlet of the carpal tunnel (MN-CSA-Inlet) on ultrasonography after hydrodissection. The relevance of MNI with respect to these clinical data and findings was determined. The outcome was rated using Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores. Nine patients suffered MNI (incidence, 7.1 %) but improved significantly at follow-up. Clinical data and vascular injury during hydrodissection, altered echogenicity, and reduced flattening ratio after hydrodissection were unrelated to prolonged transient MNI (p > 0.05). MNI was significantly associated with increased CSA (p = 0.005). A CSA increase > 2 mm2 after hydrodissection yielded the greatest performance (0.979) for MNI in the receiver operating characteristic analysis. Decreases in BCTQ scores after injection did not differ significantly between groups with and without MNI (p > 0.05). MNI during hydrodissection may be reversible. MNI is indicated by an increase in MN-CSA-inlet immediately after hydrodissection.

Personal, biomechanical, psychosocial, and organizational risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome: a structural equation modeling approach.

This longitudinal study aimed at exploring the direct and indirect relationships between organizational, psychosocial, biomechanical, and personal factors and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in French workers. Between 2002 and 2005, 3710 workers were included in the Cosali cohort. Between 2007 and 2010, 1611 workers were re-examined using the same standardized clinical protocol. Subjects free from CTS at baseline were studied (804 men and 563 women). We used structural equation models to examine the relationships between incident CTS cases and organizational (machine-paced work or work pace dependent on customers' demand), psychosocial (job strain model), biomechanical (Borg's rating perceived exertion, wrist bending, pinching, and hand-transmitted vibrations), and personal factors at baseline. Symptomatic CTS risk was directly increased by biomechanical factors (standardized coefficient = 0.19, P = 0.011), female gender (0.25, P < 0.001), and age (0.15, P = 0.042). No psychosocial factors had a direct impact on CTS, but decision authority and skill discretion had an indirect impact by influencing biomechanical exposure. Exposure to machine-paced work had an indirect impact on increasing CTS, either by raising biomechanical exposure (0.19, P < 0.001) or by lowering decision authority (-0.18, P < 0.001) and skill discretion (-0.20, P < 0.001), which in turn increased biomechanical exposure. Similar complex relationships were observed between risk factors and CTS defined by a more strict case definition. Biomechanical exposure had a direct impact on CTS, while organizational factors and psychosocial factors had an indirect impact on CTS. The findings support conceptual models linking work organization to CTS.

Electrophysiological responsiveness and clinical outcomes of local corticosteroid injection in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common mononeuropathy caused by entrapment of the median nerve at the wrist. Common treatment options for CTS include oral analgesics, splinting, hand therapy, local injections with steroids or surgery. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to assess the short-term clinical and electrophysiological outcomes of local corticosteroid injection (LCI) in patients with symptomatic CTS. METHODS Electrophysiological parameters were evaluated before and three months after LCI. Moreover, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Boston Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and the Functional Status Scale (FSS) were administered before and after the injection. A mixture of 1 mL (40 mg) of methylprednisolone and 1 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine were injected blindly on the volar side of the forearm between the tendons of the radial carpal flexor muscle and long palmar muscle. RESULTS A total of 25 patients (45 hands) were enrolled in the study. Twenty women and five men with a mean age of 49.28 ± 11.37 years were included. A statistically significant difference was noted for improvement of sensory conduction velocities, sensory peak latency, and motor distal latency (p = 0.001) after LCI. A significant difference was recorded between pre- and post-injection for NRS, SSS and FSS scores (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION Local corticosteroid injection for CTS provides a short-term improvement in neurophysiological and clinical outcomes such as pain intensity, symptom severity and functional ability.

MRI criteria for diagnosis and predicting severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

To study MRI criteria for diagnosing and predicting severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Sixty-nine wrists in 41 symptomatic CTS patients and 32 wrists in 28 asymptomatic subjects were evaluated by MRI. Circumferential surface area (CSA), flattening ratio, relative median nerve signal intensity, and retinacular bowing were measured. CTS severity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Parameters for patients with and without CTS and for the three severity groups were compared. ROC curves were plotted to assess accuracy for CTS diagnosis and severity prediction. Significant differences were found between CTS and control wrists for median nerve CSA, flattening ratio at inlet, relative median nerve signal intensity, and retinacular bowing. ROC curve analysis revealed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of median nerve CSA >15mm2 proximal to the tunnel (CSAp) of 85.5, 100, and 90.1%. Using either CSAp or CSAd > 15mm2 as a diagnostic criterion, MRI could achieve a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94% for diagnosis of CTS while overall accuracy was 98%. Significant differences were found among the three severity groups. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of prediction of severe CTS using for CSAp > 19mm2 were 75.0, 65.9, and 69.6%, respectively. MRI is highly accurate at diagnosing CTS and moderately accurate at determining CTS severity. We recommend using CSA > 15mm2 either proximal to or distal to the tunnel as a diagnostic criterion for CTS and CSA > 19mm2 proximal to the tunnel as a marker for severe CTS.