Evidence-based guideline: Neuromuscular ultrasound for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to develop an evidence‐based guideline for the use of neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Two questions were asked: (1) What is the accuracy of median nerve cross‐sectional area enlargement as measured with u...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Muscle & nerve 2012-08, Vol.46 (2), p.287-293
Main Authors: Cartwright, Michael S., Hobson-Webb, Lisa D., Boon, Andrea J., Alter, Katharine E., Hunt, Christopher H., Flores, Victor H., Werner, Robert A., Shook, Steven J., Thomas, T. Darrell, Primack, Scott J., Walker, Francis O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - diagnosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - diagnostic imaging
Cranial nerves. Spinal roots. Peripheral nerves. Autonomic nervous system. Gustation. Olfaction
Evidence-Based Medicine
Humans
median nerve
Median Nerve - diagnostic imaging
Medical sciences
mononeuropathy
Muscle, Skeletal - diagnostic imaging
nerve conduction studies
Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes)
Neural Conduction - physiology
Neurology
Ultrasonography
ultrasound
Wrist - diagnostic imaging
Wrist - innervation
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Summary:Introduction: The purpose of this study was to develop an evidence‐based guideline for the use of neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Two questions were asked: (1) What is the accuracy of median nerve cross‐sectional area enlargement as measured with ultrasound for the diagnosis of CTS? (2) What added value, if any, does neuromuscular ultrasound provide over electrodiagnostic studies alone for the diagnosis of CTS? A systematic review was performed, and studies were classified according to American Academy of Neurology criteria for rating articles of diagnostic accuracy (question 1) and for screening articles (question 2). Results: Neuromuscular ultrasound measurement of median nerve cross‐sectional area at the wrist is accurate and may be offered as a diagnostic test for CTS (Level A). Neuromuscular ultrasound probably adds value to electrodiagnostic studies when diagnosing CTS and should be considered in screening for structural abnormalities at the wrist in those with CTS (Level B). Muscle Nerve 46: 287–293, 2012
ISSN:0148-639X
1097-4598
DOI:10.1002/mus.23389