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Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Functional tests to quantify recovery following carpal tunnel release
Robert G Radwin1, Mary E Sesto, Stefan V Zachary
1University of Wisconsin, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA. radwin@engr.wisc.edu
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|December 14, 2004
Summary
Objective tests for carpal tunnel release outcomes were evaluated. Surgical treatment significantly improved sensory gap detection and pinch-and-release rates compared to non-surgical management.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Objective outcome measures are needed for carpal tunnel release.
- A novel method to assess sensory and motor function in carpal tunnel syndrome was investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a new objective testing method for carpal tunnel syndrome outcomes.
- To compare sensory and motor function improvements after surgical versus non-surgical treatment.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study included 36 surgical candidates for carpal tunnel release.
- Participants underwent physical exams, nerve conduction studies, and completed symptom surveys.
- Sensory (gap-detection) and motor (pinch-and-release) tests were performed pre- and post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Surgical group showed a 43% improvement in index finger gap-detection threshold (0.14 mm to 0.08 mm, p < 0.01).
- Surgical group demonstrated a 20% increase in pinch rate (6.65 to 7.96/sec, p < 0.001).
- Non-surgical group showed no significant improvement in gap-detection but a modest increase in pinch rate.
Conclusions:
- Objective sensory and psychomotor tests reveal significantly greater improvement after carpal tunnel release surgery.
- These functional tests provide measurable outcomes for evaluating carpal tunnel syndrome treatment efficacy.
