BACKGROUND Acute carpal tunnel syndrome(ACTS)is commonly caused by repetitive strain,trauma,or inflammatory conditions.However,ACTS due to tophaceous gout is a clinical event that remains poorly understood and underre...BACKGROUND Acute carpal tunnel syndrome(ACTS)is commonly caused by repetitive strain,trauma,or inflammatory conditions.However,ACTS due to tophaceous gout is a clinical event that remains poorly understood and underreported.This rare manifestation necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible complications.CASE SUMMARY A 51-year-old man who had poorly controlled hyperuricemia presented with ACTS secondary to tophaceous gout.Because of rapid symptom progression symptoms and severe median nerve compression within 3 mo,the patient underwent emergency decompression surgery for both wrists at different time points.Postoperatively,he exhibited complete recovery of sensory and motor functions,with no recurrence at long-term follow-up.Favorable outcomes were achieved through immediate decompression surgery,anti-inflammatory medications,postoperative active and passive range-of-motion exercises,and intermittent wrist splinting.Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention,when necessary,are crucial for preventing long-term complications and obtaining favorable outcomes in patients with ACTS.An optimal gout management strategy involving pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle modifications may help minimize ACTS recurrence and improve clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION Prompt surgical intervention and optimal gout management are crucial for preventing irreversible nerve damage and ACTS recurrence.展开更多
Introduction: Amyloidosis are systemic conditions and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) precedes the principal systemic complications and can be used as an early marker. Our objective was to determine the frequency of amyl...Introduction: Amyloidosis are systemic conditions and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) precedes the principal systemic complications and can be used as an early marker. Our objective was to determine the frequency of amyloid deposition in idiopathic CTS and its systemic impact. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients with CTS between September 2019 to January 2020. Samples from the anterior carpal ligament were pathologically evaluated and amyloid deposition was confirmed by apple-green birefringence on polarized light using Congo red stain. When amyloid was detected we performed genetic testing for transthyretin variants (ATTRv), immunofixation electrophoresis in serum and urine for light chains and multidisciplinary evaluation. Results: Thirty consecutive patients were included, 19 women, 11 men, mean age 70 years old (range 42 - 89 years). We identified 3 patients (10%) with amyloid deposits (mean age: 78.6 years, 2 men, 1 woman). Genetic testing for ATTRv and light chains studies were negative. During follow-up: The first patient required aortic valve replacement. The second patient developed progressive cardiac failure with syncopal episodes, atrioventricular block and atrial fibrillation and required a pacemaker and anticoagulation. The third patient had unexplained chronic edemas. The cardiac evaluation in all 3 patients revealed left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial uptake (Perugini Score > 2) in their nuclear bone scintigraphies with technetium pyrophosphate. Two patients were treated with tafamidis and one patient died due to refractory cardiac insufficiency. Discussion: Our findings underline the importance of investigating amyloidosis in idiopathic CTS. The identification of deposits allows early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis leading to timely intervention and treatment.展开更多
Objective:To analyze the value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the diagnosis of carpal joint injury.Methods:A total of 130 patients with suspected wrist injuries admi...Objective:To analyze the value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the diagnosis of carpal joint injury.Methods:A total of 130 patients with suspected wrist injuries admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of our hospital from January 2023 to January 2024 were selected and randomly divided into a single group(n=65)and a joint group(n=65).The single group was diagnosed using multi-slice spiral CT,and the joint group was diagnosed using multi-slice spiral CT and magnetic resonance imaging,with pathological diagnosis as the gold standard.The diagnostic results of both groups were compared to the gold standard,and the diagnostic energy efficiency of both groups was compared.Results:The diagnostic results of the single group compared with the gold standard were significant(P<0.05).The diagnostic results of the joint group compared with the gold standard were not significant(P>0.05).The sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis in the joint group were significantly higher than that in the single group(P<0.05).The specificity of diagnosis in the joint group was higher as compared to that in the single group(P>0.05).Conclusion:The combination of multi-slice spiral CT and MRI was highly accurate in diagnosing wrist injuries,and the misdiagnosis rate and leakage rate were relatively low.Hence,this diagnostic program is recommended to be popularized.展开更多
Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS)is a multifactorial compression neuropathy.It is reported to be very common and rising globally.CTS’s treatment varies from conservative measures to surgical treatments.Surgery has shown to...Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS)is a multifactorial compression neuropathy.It is reported to be very common and rising globally.CTS’s treatment varies from conservative measures to surgical treatments.Surgery has shown to be an effective method for more severe cases.However few unclear aspects and room for further research and improvements still remains.We performed a narrative literature review on the most up to date progress and innovation in terms of surgical treatments for CTS.The simple algorithm of leaving the choice of the surgical method to surgeons’preference and experience(together with consideration of patients’related factors)seem to be the best available option,which is supported by the most recent metanalysis and systematic reviews.We suggest that surgeons(unless in presence of precise indications towards endoscopic release)should tend to perform a minimally invasive open approach release,favoring the advantage of a better neurovascular structures visualization(and a consequent higher chance to perform a complete release with long term relief of symptoms)instead of favoring an early reduction(in the first postoperative days)of immobilization and pain.Research towards a universally accepted standardization should be aimed for by the researchers,who have failed to date to sufficiently limit bias and limitations.展开更多
BACKGROUND Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS)has been associated with gout and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,due to insufficient clinical understanding of goutrelated CTS and reliance on the diagnostic importance of...BACKGROUND Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS)has been associated with gout and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,due to insufficient clinical understanding of goutrelated CTS and reliance on the diagnostic importance of elevated serum uric acid levels,such cases are prone to missed diagnosis,misdiagnosis,and delayed treatment.In addition,the effect of T2DM on gout-induced carpal tunnel syndrome has not been reported.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present an unusual case of CTS and motor dysfunction caused by miliary tophaceous gout and T2DM.The patient presented to the hand and foot clinic with paresthesia of the fingers of both hands,especially at night.The patient was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a month ago.Ultrasonography revealed bilateral transverse carpal ligament thickening with median nerve compression during hospitalization.The patient was successfully treated with carpal tunnel decompression and tendon release.The postoperative pathological examination revealed typical gout nodules.This case suggests that the presence of T2DM could accelerate tophi formation and worsen CTS symptoms,although no definitive proof in this regard has been described previously.CONCLUSION Tophi formation may most likely cause the co-occurrence of CTS and flexor dysfunction in gout and incipient diabetes patients.展开更多
Purpose: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) has been linked to many extra-cardiac manifestations including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The aim of this study is to analyze patients with bilate...Purpose: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) has been linked to many extra-cardiac manifestations including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The aim of this study is to analyze patients with bilateral CTS to identify patients with high-risk features or “red flags” for ATTR-CA, identify if systematic screening was done for ATTR-CA and define opportunities for improved detection. Methods: Out of >5000 patients with bilateral CTS evaluated in a single tertiary care center in Southeast Michigan (2010-2016), we retrospectively studied a focused population of patients: men > 50 years and women > 60 years old with bilateral CTS and atrial fibrillation (n = 295). Baseline demographic, comorbidities, and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings were analyzed. A high-risk group suspicious for ATTR-CA was identified as patients with bilateral CTS, atrial fibrillation, and concomitant “red flags” including heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy. Results: Out of 295 patients, 51.2% were female, 75.6% were White, and 22.4% were African American. Upon comparing the high-risk group (n = 67) with the remaining study population (n = 228), both diagnosis of ATTR-CA and mortality were higher among the high-risk group (7.5% vs 0.4% and 43.3% vs 24.6%, respectively, P = 0.003). Conclusions: A substantial number of bilateral CTS patients had additional “red flags” warranting formal evaluation for ATTR-CA;however, systematic evaluation for cardiac amyloidosis was not performed in many patients. This emphasizes that Multidisciplinary collaboration is needed to create a systematic workflow and to raise awareness amongst cardiologists and other physicians for suspecting ATTR-CA in bilateral CTS patients who have additional “red flags”.展开更多
Background: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and of anxiety and depression in primary care practice are high. Different studies had shown an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression in CTS patients...Background: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and of anxiety and depression in primary care practice are high. Different studies had shown an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression in CTS patients. Nevertheless, few papers had been published studying the anxiety and depression scales in the treatment of CTS, either with corticosteroid injections (I) or with surgical decompression (S). Objective: To assess whether clinical improvement observed after the treatment of CTS either with I or with S correlates with an improvement in the punctuations of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales (HADS), at 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Methods: Randomized and open-label clinical trial, comparing I and S. Patients with symptoms suggestive of CTS (nocturnal paraesthesias) of at least 3 months duration and neurophysiological confirmation were included. Patients with clinically apparent motor impairment were excluded. The subjective evaluation of symptoms was carried out using the visual-analogue scale of pain (VAS-p). Clinical reviews were performed 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Each patient completed the HADS questionnaire and a VAS-p at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical significance was established using the Student’s t test and the Mann-Whitney U test when necessary. A linear regression analysis was used to know the effect of the treatment adjusted for the initial score of both scales. Results: 65 patients were included (30 in group I and 35 in group S). There was no statistical difference between both groups in terms of age, gender distribution, disease duration, VAS-p, neurophysiological testing severity of CTS or the 8 subscales of HADS. Both groups improved significantly in relation to the baseline VAS-p values, in the reviews at 3, 6 and 12 months, with no significant differences between I and S. At 6 months, the reduction in the anxiety scale was around 3 points for both treatments (S = 3.6 and I = 3.2), without reaching significant differences. At 12 months, it was somewhat higher for those treated with I, but always around 3 points and without significant differences. The Depression scale score was slightly reduced at 6 months, and in a similar way for both groups (I = 1 and S = 1.19;p = 0.8). After 12 months, group I doubled the previous reduction, with group S experiencing a very slight change (I = 1.96 and S = 1.03;p = 0.3). When analysing the effect of group S on group I, the result was a reduction of 0.25 points for Anxiety (p = 0.7) and of 0.02 points for Depression (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Treatment of CTS with I or S results in a similar and discrete improvement in Anxiety scores on the HADS scale at 6 and 12 months. For both types of treatment, the Depression scores barely changed at 6 months, being somewhat higher in group I after 12-month follow-up. The independent effect of the S on both scales is small and not significant.展开更多
Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a more common form of upper limb canal syndrome, resulting from compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, but is particularly troublesome. Medical treatment is often...Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a more common form of upper limb canal syndrome, resulting from compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, but is particularly troublesome. Medical treatment is often unsuccessful, and surgical treatment usually involves transection of the annular ligament. The aim of this study was to assess iatrogenic intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as patient outcomes following the use of conventional and endoscopic surgery in the surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Hypothesis: Are nerve, vascular and tendon injuries of iatrogenic origin always present in the surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome, even though this surgery is performed on an outpatient basis? Patients and methods: This retrospective series is composed of 1140 patients, 230 men and 910 women, mean age 58.6 ± 16.4 years, operated on between 2010 and 2020 for carpal tunnel syndrome by conventional surgery and under endoscopy. Medical records, operative reports and consultation letters were consulted. All patients were reviewed regularly at one month post-op until recovery. Results: No nerve, vascular or tendon damage was noted, and at a maximum follow-up of 2 years, 20 patients had recurred, i.e. a 2.51% failure rate. Scar disunion was observed in 0.9%, wound infection in 0.9% and scar fibrosis in 0.9%. 92.98% of patients underwent outpatient surgery, irrespective of the type of anesthesia or surgical technique used. Patients who stayed in hospital for a short time were suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome associated with compression of the ulnar nerve in Guyon’s canal, for which both the median and ulnar nerves were freed during the same operation, under general anaesthetic. All patients were able to return to their previous activity within 30 days of surgery. Conclusion: Intraoperative iatrogenic complications, notably nerve, vascular and tendon lesions, were not identified despite the large sample size. On the other hand, postoperative skin complications related to scarring, such as wound disunion, fibrosis and recurrence, were present despite low rates.展开更多
Conventional neuroimaging techniques cannot truly reflect the change of regional cerebral blood flow in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.Pseudo-continuous arterial spinning labeling(pCASL)as an efficient non-invas...Conventional neuroimaging techniques cannot truly reflect the change of regional cerebral blood flow in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.Pseudo-continuous arterial spinning labeling(pCASL)as an efficient non-invasive neuroimaging technique can be applied to directly quantify the neuronal activities of individual brain regions that show the persistent symptoms owing to its better spatial resolution and increased signal-to-noise ratio.Therefore,this prospective observational study was conducted in 27 eligible female carpal tunnel syndrome,aged 57.7±6.51 years.Psychometric tests,nerve conduction studies and pCASL neuroimaging assessment were performed.The results showed that the relevant activated brain regions in the cortical,subcrotical,and cerebral regions were correlated with numbness,pain,functionality,median nerve status and motor amplitude of median nerve(K=21–2849,r=–0.77–0.76,P<0.05).There was a tendency of pain processing which shifted from the nociceptive circuitry to the emotional and cognitive one during the process of chronic pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.It suggests the necessity of addressing the ignored cognitive or emotional state when managing patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.Approval for this study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of The University of Hong Kong/Hospital Authority Hong Kong West,China(HKU/HA HKW IRB,approval No.UW17-129)on April 11,2017.This study was registered in Clinical Trial Registry of The University of Hong Kong,China(registration number:HKUCTR-2220)on April 24,2017.展开更多
<strong>Background/Aim:</strong> Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compressive, canalicular neuropathies of the upper extremities, causing hand pain and impaired function. This clinica...<strong>Background/Aim:</strong> Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compressive, canalicular neuropathies of the upper extremities, causing hand pain and impaired function. This clinical study was designed to compare the intraoperative median nerve distal motor latency (DML) versus the distal sensory latency (DSL) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) during surgical treatment of CTS. <strong>Patients and Methods:</strong> A total number of 36 wrists in 30 patients with CTS diagnosed by preoperative median MNCS who underwent surgical intervention for median nerve release. Intraoperative measurements of motor distal latency (DML) and proximal latency, amplitude, and conduction velocity and distal sensory latency (DSL), amplitude, and conduction velocity of both the median and ulnar nerves before and after division of the flexor retinaculum (FR). <strong>Results:</strong> A significant decrease of the intraoperative median nerve distal motor latency (DML) after release (8.89 ± 0.93) in comparison with the preoperative median nerve DML (6.24 ± 1.06) with (p < 0.001*). But intraoperative distal sensory latency (DSL) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCVM) show non-significant decrease (p = 0.161). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Intraoperative monitoring of median nerve show rapidly improve Intraoperative motor nerve conduction than the sensory nerve conduction after release the FR during carpal tunnel surgery.展开更多
Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is the most commonly diagnosed disabling condition of the upper extremities. It is the most commonly known and prevalent type of peripheral entrapment neuropathy that accounts for about 90%...Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is the most commonly diagnosed disabling condition of the upper extremities. It is the most commonly known and prevalent type of peripheral entrapment neuropathy that accounts for about 90% of all entrapment neuropathies. This review aims to provide an outline of CTS by considering anat-omy, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnostic modalities and management of this common condition, with an emphasis on the diagnostic imaging evaluation.展开更多
AIM To investigate the causes of the recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) and implemented surgical interventions.METHODS Four hundred and eighty-seven patients, who were diagnosed with CTS and underwent surgical inte...AIM To investigate the causes of the recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) and implemented surgical interventions.METHODS Four hundred and eighty-seven patients, who were diagnosed with CTS and underwent surgical intervention between October 2016 and September 2007, were evaluated in this retrospective study. The age, gender, physical evaluation findings, electrophysiological examination reports and implemented surgical treatment methods were analyzed.RESULTS Thirty-nine of the cases were operated due to recurrent CTS. Further examination of the patients with recurrent CTS revealed that ten cases had diabetic polyneuropathy, three cases had hypothyroidism, two cases had rheumatoid arthritis and one case had systemic amyloidosis. Postoperative electromyography confirmed the neuropathy was due to systemic diseases. The remaining 23 patients with recurrent CTS did not have any systemic disease and all of them had applied previously to another health center. CONCLUSION We concluded that the recurrence rates in CTS might be decreased with exploration and incision of the entire transverse ligament. Damage to the motor and sensory branches of the median nerve could be avoided with an incision on the ulnar side.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the impact of pioglitazone pharmacotherapy in median nerve electrophysiology in the carpal tunnel among type 2 diabetes patients.METHODS The study was executed in patients with type 2 diabetes, treated...AIM To evaluate the impact of pioglitazone pharmacotherapy in median nerve electrophysiology in the carpal tunnel among type 2 diabetes patients.METHODS The study was executed in patients with type 2 diabetes, treated with oral drugs, categorized under pioglitazone or non-pioglitazone group(14 in each group), and who received electrophysiological evaluation by nerve conduction velocity at baseline and 3 mo.RESULTS At 3 mo, pioglitazone-category had inferior amplitude in sensory median nerve [8.5 interquartile range(IQR) = 6.5 to 11.5) vs non-pioglitazone 14.5(IQR 10.5 to 18.75)](P = 0.002). Non-pioglitazone category displayed amelioration in amplitude in the sensory median nerve [baseline 13(IQR = 9 to 16.25) vs 3 mo 8.5(IQR = 6.5 to 11.5)](P = 0.01) and amplitude in motor median nerve [baseline 9(IQR = 4.75 to 11) vs 3 mo 6.75(IQR = 4.75 to 10.25)](P = 0.049); and deterioration of terminal latency of in motor ulnar nerve [baseline 2.07(IQR = 1.92 to 2.25) vs 3 mo 2.16(IQR = 1.97 to 2.325)](P = 0.043). There was amelioration of terminal latency in sensory ulnar nerve [baseline 2.45(IQR = 2.315 to 2.88) vs 3 mo 2.37(IQR = 2.275 to 2.445) for pioglitazone group(P = 0.038).CONCLUSION Treatment with pioglitazone accentuates probability of compressive neuropathy. In spite of comparable glycemic control over 3 mo, patients treated with pioglitazone showed superior electrophysiological parameters for the ulnar nerve. Pioglitazone has favourable outcome in nerve electrophysiology which was repealed when the nerve was subjected to compressive neuropathy.展开更多
Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is a common peripheral entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve at wrist level, and is thought to be caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. There is no standard qu...Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is a common peripheral entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve at wrist level, and is thought to be caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. There is no standard quantitative reference for the diagnosis of CTS. Greyscale sonography and sonoelastography(SEL) have been used as diagnostic tools. The most commonly agreed findings in grey-scale sonography for the diagnosis of CTS is enlargement of the median nerve cross-sectional area(CSA). Several authors have assessed additional parameters. "Delta CSA" is the difference between the proximal median nerve CSA at the pronator quadratus and the maximal CSA within the carpal tunnel. The "CSA ratio" is the ratio of CSA in the carpal tunnel to the CSA at the mid forearm. These additional parameters showed better diagnostic accuracy than CSA measurement alone. Recently, a number of studies have investigated the elasticity of the median nerve using SEL, and have shown that this also has diagnostic value, as it was significantly stiffer in CTS patients compared to healthy volunteers. In this review, we summarize the usefulness of grey-scale sonography and SEL in diagnosing CTS.展开更多
Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is well recognized as the most common type of peripheral neuropathy. A rare cause of CTS is tophaceous gout. Tophi deposits can accumulate in various structures including the flexor tendons...Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is well recognized as the most common type of peripheral neuropathy. A rare cause of CTS is tophaceous gout. Tophi deposits can accumulate in various structures including the flexor tendons, tendon sheaths, the carpal tunnel floor, transverse carpal ligament, and even the median nerve, causing various symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. Tophi forming in the carpal canal can compress the median nerve, leading to CTS. Here, we describe a 25-year-old male with a family history of tophaceous gout who presented with typical CTS symptoms. Although he had chronic numbness in his right hand, he failed to present with any obvious pal-pable masses on his forearm or hand. However, his family history, laboratory, clinical, and magnetic re-sonance imaging findings were consistent with tophi deposits. CTS symptoms were eased through surgical removal of tophi and decompression of the median nerve. No recurrences of gout and CTS symptoms were reported at a one-year follow-up. This case shows that CTS symptoms could be the initial manifestation of tophaceous gout. In patients with a family history of gout and with CTS symptoms, imaging examinations are critical for early diagnosis and selecting appropriate treatment. Surgical removal of "covert" tophi and decompression of the median nerve is an effective option for eliminating symptoms.展开更多
Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that platelet-rich plasma has therapeutic effects on many neuropathies, but its effects on carpal tunnel syndrome remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate ...Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that platelet-rich plasma has therapeutic effects on many neuropathies, but its effects on carpal tunnel syndrome remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether single injection of platelet-rich plasma can improve the clinical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Fourteen patients presenting with median nerve injury who had suffered from mild carpal tunnel syndrome for over 3 months were included in this study. Under ultrasound guidance, 1-2 m L of platelet-rich plasma was injected into the region around the median nerve at the proximal edge of the carpal tunnel. At 1 month after single injection of platelet-rich plasma, Visual Analogue Scale results showed that pain almost disappeared in eight patients and it was obviously alleviated in three patients. Simultaneously, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire showed that upper limb function was obviously improved. In addition, no ultrasonographic manifestation of the carpal tunnel syndrome was found in five patients during ultrasonographic measurement of the width of the median nerve. During 3-month follow-up, the pain was not greatly alleviated in three patients. These findings show very encouraging mid-term outcomes regarding use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.展开更多
This service evaluation and pilot study was designed to establish whether a clinical questionnaire could be incorporated within our Secondary Care Carpal Tunnel Service. The purpose of the questionnaire is to predict ...This service evaluation and pilot study was designed to establish whether a clinical questionnaire could be incorporated within our Secondary Care Carpal Tunnel Service. The purpose of the questionnaire is to predict the positive and negative results of Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) in those patients with suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The hand specialist, preceding NCS administered the questionnaire;it was then scored at a later date. Results showed a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 84% referring to the ability to predict a positive NCS when using a predetermined cut-off score. When analysed with Receiver Operating Characteristics, a threshold score could be determined in order to obtain 100% sensitivity/specificity. This questionnaire can be used as a useful adjunct to assessment of those presenting with suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Using the questionnaire to identify those patients scoring outside a predetermined threshold range would reduce the need for NCS by nearly 50%, with significant cost and clinical practice implications.展开更多
Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome r...Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe（moderate and severe） carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.展开更多
Objective To compare outcomes of patients undergoing either open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods A prospective, randomized study was performed on 70 ...Objective To compare outcomes of patients undergoing either open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods A prospective, randomized study was performed on 70 hands in 62 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome from April 2000 to April 2004. Either open (36 hands in 30 patients) or endoscopic (34 hands in 32 patients) carpal tunnel release was performed randomly. Symptom improvement, complications, and the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work between the two groups were assessed with average 2 years of follow-up. The electromyography was tested pre- and 3 months post-operation. Results There were no significant differences between the two surgical groups with regard to postoperative improvements of symptom, electromyography tests, and the incidence of complications. But it was statistically less in the rate of scar tenderness, the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work in the endoscopic group compared with the open group (P<0.05). Conclusions The endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a reliable method in the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. And it has the advantages of slight scar tenderness, less operation time, less in-hospital stay, early functional recovery, safety, and high satisfaction rate compared with open methods.展开更多
Two hundred and sixty-two patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were analyzed retrospectively. Results showed that middle-and older-age women were more apt to have CTS than men, and that the dominant hand was mor...Two hundred and sixty-two patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were analyzed retrospectively. Results showed that middle-and older-age women were more apt to have CTS than men, and that the dominant hand was more frequently affected. Hormonal changes , repetitive and forceful movements, awkward positions of hand and wrist, and other factors may be associated with CTS. Typical clinical manifestations include pain and paresthesia in the median nerve territory, worsening at night or in the early morning , and being relieved by shaking the hand. Although the patients may localize the discomfort beyond the territory, sensory changes are variable and not entirely reliable. Conduction abnormalities often appeared selectively in the median nerve distal to the wrist in CTS. If the patient who is clinically suggestive of CTS shows normal conduction with conventional methods, palmar stimulation and inching technique is recommended. The diagnosis of CTS requires confirmation of illness history, symptoms and signs with objective electrodiagnostic tests.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Acute carpal tunnel syndrome(ACTS)is commonly caused by repetitive strain,trauma,or inflammatory conditions.However,ACTS due to tophaceous gout is a clinical event that remains poorly understood and underreported.This rare manifestation necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible complications.CASE SUMMARY A 51-year-old man who had poorly controlled hyperuricemia presented with ACTS secondary to tophaceous gout.Because of rapid symptom progression symptoms and severe median nerve compression within 3 mo,the patient underwent emergency decompression surgery for both wrists at different time points.Postoperatively,he exhibited complete recovery of sensory and motor functions,with no recurrence at long-term follow-up.Favorable outcomes were achieved through immediate decompression surgery,anti-inflammatory medications,postoperative active and passive range-of-motion exercises,and intermittent wrist splinting.Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention,when necessary,are crucial for preventing long-term complications and obtaining favorable outcomes in patients with ACTS.An optimal gout management strategy involving pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle modifications may help minimize ACTS recurrence and improve clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION Prompt surgical intervention and optimal gout management are crucial for preventing irreversible nerve damage and ACTS recurrence.
文摘Introduction: Amyloidosis are systemic conditions and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) precedes the principal systemic complications and can be used as an early marker. Our objective was to determine the frequency of amyloid deposition in idiopathic CTS and its systemic impact. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients with CTS between September 2019 to January 2020. Samples from the anterior carpal ligament were pathologically evaluated and amyloid deposition was confirmed by apple-green birefringence on polarized light using Congo red stain. When amyloid was detected we performed genetic testing for transthyretin variants (ATTRv), immunofixation electrophoresis in serum and urine for light chains and multidisciplinary evaluation. Results: Thirty consecutive patients were included, 19 women, 11 men, mean age 70 years old (range 42 - 89 years). We identified 3 patients (10%) with amyloid deposits (mean age: 78.6 years, 2 men, 1 woman). Genetic testing for ATTRv and light chains studies were negative. During follow-up: The first patient required aortic valve replacement. The second patient developed progressive cardiac failure with syncopal episodes, atrioventricular block and atrial fibrillation and required a pacemaker and anticoagulation. The third patient had unexplained chronic edemas. The cardiac evaluation in all 3 patients revealed left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial uptake (Perugini Score > 2) in their nuclear bone scintigraphies with technetium pyrophosphate. Two patients were treated with tafamidis and one patient died due to refractory cardiac insufficiency. Discussion: Our findings underline the importance of investigating amyloidosis in idiopathic CTS. The identification of deposits allows early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis leading to timely intervention and treatment.
文摘Objective:To analyze the value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the diagnosis of carpal joint injury.Methods:A total of 130 patients with suspected wrist injuries admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of our hospital from January 2023 to January 2024 were selected and randomly divided into a single group(n=65)and a joint group(n=65).The single group was diagnosed using multi-slice spiral CT,and the joint group was diagnosed using multi-slice spiral CT and magnetic resonance imaging,with pathological diagnosis as the gold standard.The diagnostic results of both groups were compared to the gold standard,and the diagnostic energy efficiency of both groups was compared.Results:The diagnostic results of the single group compared with the gold standard were significant(P<0.05).The diagnostic results of the joint group compared with the gold standard were not significant(P>0.05).The sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis in the joint group were significantly higher than that in the single group(P<0.05).The specificity of diagnosis in the joint group was higher as compared to that in the single group(P>0.05).Conclusion:The combination of multi-slice spiral CT and MRI was highly accurate in diagnosing wrist injuries,and the misdiagnosis rate and leakage rate were relatively low.Hence,this diagnostic program is recommended to be popularized.
文摘Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS)is a multifactorial compression neuropathy.It is reported to be very common and rising globally.CTS’s treatment varies from conservative measures to surgical treatments.Surgery has shown to be an effective method for more severe cases.However few unclear aspects and room for further research and improvements still remains.We performed a narrative literature review on the most up to date progress and innovation in terms of surgical treatments for CTS.The simple algorithm of leaving the choice of the surgical method to surgeons’preference and experience(together with consideration of patients’related factors)seem to be the best available option,which is supported by the most recent metanalysis and systematic reviews.We suggest that surgeons(unless in presence of precise indications towards endoscopic release)should tend to perform a minimally invasive open approach release,favoring the advantage of a better neurovascular structures visualization(and a consequent higher chance to perform a complete release with long term relief of symptoms)instead of favoring an early reduction(in the first postoperative days)of immobilization and pain.Research towards a universally accepted standardization should be aimed for by the researchers,who have failed to date to sufficiently limit bias and limitations.
基金Supported by Science and Technology Bureau of Jining,No.2021YXNS115.
文摘BACKGROUND Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS)has been associated with gout and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,due to insufficient clinical understanding of goutrelated CTS and reliance on the diagnostic importance of elevated serum uric acid levels,such cases are prone to missed diagnosis,misdiagnosis,and delayed treatment.In addition,the effect of T2DM on gout-induced carpal tunnel syndrome has not been reported.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present an unusual case of CTS and motor dysfunction caused by miliary tophaceous gout and T2DM.The patient presented to the hand and foot clinic with paresthesia of the fingers of both hands,especially at night.The patient was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a month ago.Ultrasonography revealed bilateral transverse carpal ligament thickening with median nerve compression during hospitalization.The patient was successfully treated with carpal tunnel decompression and tendon release.The postoperative pathological examination revealed typical gout nodules.This case suggests that the presence of T2DM could accelerate tophi formation and worsen CTS symptoms,although no definitive proof in this regard has been described previously.CONCLUSION Tophi formation may most likely cause the co-occurrence of CTS and flexor dysfunction in gout and incipient diabetes patients.
文摘Purpose: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) has been linked to many extra-cardiac manifestations including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The aim of this study is to analyze patients with bilateral CTS to identify patients with high-risk features or “red flags” for ATTR-CA, identify if systematic screening was done for ATTR-CA and define opportunities for improved detection. Methods: Out of >5000 patients with bilateral CTS evaluated in a single tertiary care center in Southeast Michigan (2010-2016), we retrospectively studied a focused population of patients: men > 50 years and women > 60 years old with bilateral CTS and atrial fibrillation (n = 295). Baseline demographic, comorbidities, and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings were analyzed. A high-risk group suspicious for ATTR-CA was identified as patients with bilateral CTS, atrial fibrillation, and concomitant “red flags” including heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy. Results: Out of 295 patients, 51.2% were female, 75.6% were White, and 22.4% were African American. Upon comparing the high-risk group (n = 67) with the remaining study population (n = 228), both diagnosis of ATTR-CA and mortality were higher among the high-risk group (7.5% vs 0.4% and 43.3% vs 24.6%, respectively, P = 0.003). Conclusions: A substantial number of bilateral CTS patients had additional “red flags” warranting formal evaluation for ATTR-CA;however, systematic evaluation for cardiac amyloidosis was not performed in many patients. This emphasizes that Multidisciplinary collaboration is needed to create a systematic workflow and to raise awareness amongst cardiologists and other physicians for suspecting ATTR-CA in bilateral CTS patients who have additional “red flags”.
文摘Background: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and of anxiety and depression in primary care practice are high. Different studies had shown an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression in CTS patients. Nevertheless, few papers had been published studying the anxiety and depression scales in the treatment of CTS, either with corticosteroid injections (I) or with surgical decompression (S). Objective: To assess whether clinical improvement observed after the treatment of CTS either with I or with S correlates with an improvement in the punctuations of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales (HADS), at 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Methods: Randomized and open-label clinical trial, comparing I and S. Patients with symptoms suggestive of CTS (nocturnal paraesthesias) of at least 3 months duration and neurophysiological confirmation were included. Patients with clinically apparent motor impairment were excluded. The subjective evaluation of symptoms was carried out using the visual-analogue scale of pain (VAS-p). Clinical reviews were performed 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Each patient completed the HADS questionnaire and a VAS-p at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical significance was established using the Student’s t test and the Mann-Whitney U test when necessary. A linear regression analysis was used to know the effect of the treatment adjusted for the initial score of both scales. Results: 65 patients were included (30 in group I and 35 in group S). There was no statistical difference between both groups in terms of age, gender distribution, disease duration, VAS-p, neurophysiological testing severity of CTS or the 8 subscales of HADS. Both groups improved significantly in relation to the baseline VAS-p values, in the reviews at 3, 6 and 12 months, with no significant differences between I and S. At 6 months, the reduction in the anxiety scale was around 3 points for both treatments (S = 3.6 and I = 3.2), without reaching significant differences. At 12 months, it was somewhat higher for those treated with I, but always around 3 points and without significant differences. The Depression scale score was slightly reduced at 6 months, and in a similar way for both groups (I = 1 and S = 1.19;p = 0.8). After 12 months, group I doubled the previous reduction, with group S experiencing a very slight change (I = 1.96 and S = 1.03;p = 0.3). When analysing the effect of group S on group I, the result was a reduction of 0.25 points for Anxiety (p = 0.7) and of 0.02 points for Depression (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Treatment of CTS with I or S results in a similar and discrete improvement in Anxiety scores on the HADS scale at 6 and 12 months. For both types of treatment, the Depression scores barely changed at 6 months, being somewhat higher in group I after 12-month follow-up. The independent effect of the S on both scales is small and not significant.
文摘Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a more common form of upper limb canal syndrome, resulting from compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, but is particularly troublesome. Medical treatment is often unsuccessful, and surgical treatment usually involves transection of the annular ligament. The aim of this study was to assess iatrogenic intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as patient outcomes following the use of conventional and endoscopic surgery in the surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Hypothesis: Are nerve, vascular and tendon injuries of iatrogenic origin always present in the surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome, even though this surgery is performed on an outpatient basis? Patients and methods: This retrospective series is composed of 1140 patients, 230 men and 910 women, mean age 58.6 ± 16.4 years, operated on between 2010 and 2020 for carpal tunnel syndrome by conventional surgery and under endoscopy. Medical records, operative reports and consultation letters were consulted. All patients were reviewed regularly at one month post-op until recovery. Results: No nerve, vascular or tendon damage was noted, and at a maximum follow-up of 2 years, 20 patients had recurred, i.e. a 2.51% failure rate. Scar disunion was observed in 0.9%, wound infection in 0.9% and scar fibrosis in 0.9%. 92.98% of patients underwent outpatient surgery, irrespective of the type of anesthesia or surgical technique used. Patients who stayed in hospital for a short time were suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome associated with compression of the ulnar nerve in Guyon’s canal, for which both the median and ulnar nerves were freed during the same operation, under general anaesthetic. All patients were able to return to their previous activity within 30 days of surgery. Conclusion: Intraoperative iatrogenic complications, notably nerve, vascular and tendon lesions, were not identified despite the large sample size. On the other hand, postoperative skin complications related to scarring, such as wound disunion, fibrosis and recurrence, were present despite low rates.
文摘Conventional neuroimaging techniques cannot truly reflect the change of regional cerebral blood flow in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.Pseudo-continuous arterial spinning labeling(pCASL)as an efficient non-invasive neuroimaging technique can be applied to directly quantify the neuronal activities of individual brain regions that show the persistent symptoms owing to its better spatial resolution and increased signal-to-noise ratio.Therefore,this prospective observational study was conducted in 27 eligible female carpal tunnel syndrome,aged 57.7±6.51 years.Psychometric tests,nerve conduction studies and pCASL neuroimaging assessment were performed.The results showed that the relevant activated brain regions in the cortical,subcrotical,and cerebral regions were correlated with numbness,pain,functionality,median nerve status and motor amplitude of median nerve(K=21–2849,r=–0.77–0.76,P<0.05).There was a tendency of pain processing which shifted from the nociceptive circuitry to the emotional and cognitive one during the process of chronic pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.It suggests the necessity of addressing the ignored cognitive or emotional state when managing patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.Approval for this study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of The University of Hong Kong/Hospital Authority Hong Kong West,China(HKU/HA HKW IRB,approval No.UW17-129)on April 11,2017.This study was registered in Clinical Trial Registry of The University of Hong Kong,China(registration number:HKUCTR-2220)on April 24,2017.
文摘<strong>Background/Aim:</strong> Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compressive, canalicular neuropathies of the upper extremities, causing hand pain and impaired function. This clinical study was designed to compare the intraoperative median nerve distal motor latency (DML) versus the distal sensory latency (DSL) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) during surgical treatment of CTS. <strong>Patients and Methods:</strong> A total number of 36 wrists in 30 patients with CTS diagnosed by preoperative median MNCS who underwent surgical intervention for median nerve release. Intraoperative measurements of motor distal latency (DML) and proximal latency, amplitude, and conduction velocity and distal sensory latency (DSL), amplitude, and conduction velocity of both the median and ulnar nerves before and after division of the flexor retinaculum (FR). <strong>Results:</strong> A significant decrease of the intraoperative median nerve distal motor latency (DML) after release (8.89 ± 0.93) in comparison with the preoperative median nerve DML (6.24 ± 1.06) with (p < 0.001*). But intraoperative distal sensory latency (DSL) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCVM) show non-significant decrease (p = 0.161). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Intraoperative monitoring of median nerve show rapidly improve Intraoperative motor nerve conduction than the sensory nerve conduction after release the FR during carpal tunnel surgery.
文摘Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is the most commonly diagnosed disabling condition of the upper extremities. It is the most commonly known and prevalent type of peripheral entrapment neuropathy that accounts for about 90% of all entrapment neuropathies. This review aims to provide an outline of CTS by considering anat-omy, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnostic modalities and management of this common condition, with an emphasis on the diagnostic imaging evaluation.
文摘AIM To investigate the causes of the recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) and implemented surgical interventions.METHODS Four hundred and eighty-seven patients, who were diagnosed with CTS and underwent surgical intervention between October 2016 and September 2007, were evaluated in this retrospective study. The age, gender, physical evaluation findings, electrophysiological examination reports and implemented surgical treatment methods were analyzed.RESULTS Thirty-nine of the cases were operated due to recurrent CTS. Further examination of the patients with recurrent CTS revealed that ten cases had diabetic polyneuropathy, three cases had hypothyroidism, two cases had rheumatoid arthritis and one case had systemic amyloidosis. Postoperative electromyography confirmed the neuropathy was due to systemic diseases. The remaining 23 patients with recurrent CTS did not have any systemic disease and all of them had applied previously to another health center. CONCLUSION We concluded that the recurrence rates in CTS might be decreased with exploration and incision of the entire transverse ligament. Damage to the motor and sensory branches of the median nerve could be avoided with an incision on the ulnar side.
基金Supported by Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences,Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan,Kolkata who provided a research grant
文摘AIM To evaluate the impact of pioglitazone pharmacotherapy in median nerve electrophysiology in the carpal tunnel among type 2 diabetes patients.METHODS The study was executed in patients with type 2 diabetes, treated with oral drugs, categorized under pioglitazone or non-pioglitazone group(14 in each group), and who received electrophysiological evaluation by nerve conduction velocity at baseline and 3 mo.RESULTS At 3 mo, pioglitazone-category had inferior amplitude in sensory median nerve [8.5 interquartile range(IQR) = 6.5 to 11.5) vs non-pioglitazone 14.5(IQR 10.5 to 18.75)](P = 0.002). Non-pioglitazone category displayed amelioration in amplitude in the sensory median nerve [baseline 13(IQR = 9 to 16.25) vs 3 mo 8.5(IQR = 6.5 to 11.5)](P = 0.01) and amplitude in motor median nerve [baseline 9(IQR = 4.75 to 11) vs 3 mo 6.75(IQR = 4.75 to 10.25)](P = 0.049); and deterioration of terminal latency of in motor ulnar nerve [baseline 2.07(IQR = 1.92 to 2.25) vs 3 mo 2.16(IQR = 1.97 to 2.325)](P = 0.043). There was amelioration of terminal latency in sensory ulnar nerve [baseline 2.45(IQR = 2.315 to 2.88) vs 3 mo 2.37(IQR = 2.275 to 2.445) for pioglitazone group(P = 0.038).CONCLUSION Treatment with pioglitazone accentuates probability of compressive neuropathy. In spite of comparable glycemic control over 3 mo, patients treated with pioglitazone showed superior electrophysiological parameters for the ulnar nerve. Pioglitazone has favourable outcome in nerve electrophysiology which was repealed when the nerve was subjected to compressive neuropathy.
文摘Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is a common peripheral entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve at wrist level, and is thought to be caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. There is no standard quantitative reference for the diagnosis of CTS. Greyscale sonography and sonoelastography(SEL) have been used as diagnostic tools. The most commonly agreed findings in grey-scale sonography for the diagnosis of CTS is enlargement of the median nerve cross-sectional area(CSA). Several authors have assessed additional parameters. "Delta CSA" is the difference between the proximal median nerve CSA at the pronator quadratus and the maximal CSA within the carpal tunnel. The "CSA ratio" is the ratio of CSA in the carpal tunnel to the CSA at the mid forearm. These additional parameters showed better diagnostic accuracy than CSA measurement alone. Recently, a number of studies have investigated the elasticity of the median nerve using SEL, and have shown that this also has diagnostic value, as it was significantly stiffer in CTS patients compared to healthy volunteers. In this review, we summarize the usefulness of grey-scale sonography and SEL in diagnosing CTS.
文摘Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is well recognized as the most common type of peripheral neuropathy. A rare cause of CTS is tophaceous gout. Tophi deposits can accumulate in various structures including the flexor tendons, tendon sheaths, the carpal tunnel floor, transverse carpal ligament, and even the median nerve, causing various symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. Tophi forming in the carpal canal can compress the median nerve, leading to CTS. Here, we describe a 25-year-old male with a family history of tophaceous gout who presented with typical CTS symptoms. Although he had chronic numbness in his right hand, he failed to present with any obvious pal-pable masses on his forearm or hand. However, his family history, laboratory, clinical, and magnetic re-sonance imaging findings were consistent with tophi deposits. CTS symptoms were eased through surgical removal of tophi and decompression of the median nerve. No recurrences of gout and CTS symptoms were reported at a one-year follow-up. This case shows that CTS symptoms could be the initial manifestation of tophaceous gout. In patients with a family history of gout and with CTS symptoms, imaging examinations are critical for early diagnosis and selecting appropriate treatment. Surgical removal of "covert" tophi and decompression of the median nerve is an effective option for eliminating symptoms.
文摘Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that platelet-rich plasma has therapeutic effects on many neuropathies, but its effects on carpal tunnel syndrome remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether single injection of platelet-rich plasma can improve the clinical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Fourteen patients presenting with median nerve injury who had suffered from mild carpal tunnel syndrome for over 3 months were included in this study. Under ultrasound guidance, 1-2 m L of platelet-rich plasma was injected into the region around the median nerve at the proximal edge of the carpal tunnel. At 1 month after single injection of platelet-rich plasma, Visual Analogue Scale results showed that pain almost disappeared in eight patients and it was obviously alleviated in three patients. Simultaneously, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire showed that upper limb function was obviously improved. In addition, no ultrasonographic manifestation of the carpal tunnel syndrome was found in five patients during ultrasonographic measurement of the width of the median nerve. During 3-month follow-up, the pain was not greatly alleviated in three patients. These findings show very encouraging mid-term outcomes regarding use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
文摘This service evaluation and pilot study was designed to establish whether a clinical questionnaire could be incorporated within our Secondary Care Carpal Tunnel Service. The purpose of the questionnaire is to predict the positive and negative results of Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) in those patients with suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The hand specialist, preceding NCS administered the questionnaire;it was then scored at a later date. Results showed a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 84% referring to the ability to predict a positive NCS when using a predetermined cut-off score. When analysed with Receiver Operating Characteristics, a threshold score could be determined in order to obtain 100% sensitivity/specificity. This questionnaire can be used as a useful adjunct to assessment of those presenting with suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Using the questionnaire to identify those patients scoring outside a predetermined threshold range would reduce the need for NCS by nearly 50%, with significant cost and clinical practice implications.
基金supported by a grant from the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery in China,No.14DZ2273300the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai in China,No.13ZR1404600a grant from the National Key Basic Research Program of China(973 Program),No.2014CB542201
文摘Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe（moderate and severe） carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.
文摘Objective To compare outcomes of patients undergoing either open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods A prospective, randomized study was performed on 70 hands in 62 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome from April 2000 to April 2004. Either open (36 hands in 30 patients) or endoscopic (34 hands in 32 patients) carpal tunnel release was performed randomly. Symptom improvement, complications, and the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work between the two groups were assessed with average 2 years of follow-up. The electromyography was tested pre- and 3 months post-operation. Results There were no significant differences between the two surgical groups with regard to postoperative improvements of symptom, electromyography tests, and the incidence of complications. But it was statistically less in the rate of scar tenderness, the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work in the endoscopic group compared with the open group (P<0.05). Conclusions The endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a reliable method in the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. And it has the advantages of slight scar tenderness, less operation time, less in-hospital stay, early functional recovery, safety, and high satisfaction rate compared with open methods.
文摘Two hundred and sixty-two patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were analyzed retrospectively. Results showed that middle-and older-age women were more apt to have CTS than men, and that the dominant hand was more frequently affected. Hormonal changes , repetitive and forceful movements, awkward positions of hand and wrist, and other factors may be associated with CTS. Typical clinical manifestations include pain and paresthesia in the median nerve territory, worsening at night or in the early morning , and being relieved by shaking the hand. Although the patients may localize the discomfort beyond the territory, sensory changes are variable and not entirely reliable. Conduction abnormalities often appeared selectively in the median nerve distal to the wrist in CTS. If the patient who is clinically suggestive of CTS shows normal conduction with conventional methods, palmar stimulation and inching technique is recommended. The diagnosis of CTS requires confirmation of illness history, symptoms and signs with objective electrodiagnostic tests.
