Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Sonography in carpal tunnel syndrome with normal nerve conduction studies
Jasem Y Al-Hashel1, Hanaa M Rashad, Mohamed R Nouh
1Department of Neurology, Ibn Sina Hospital, POB 25427, Safat, 13115, Kuwait.
Introduction:
We assessed the yield of high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) in patients with clinically definite carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and normal nerve conduction studies (NCS).
Methods:
This blinded, prospective, cross-sectional study involved 35 patients (60 hands) with clinically definite CTS and normal NCS, and 20 controls (40 hands). Cross-sectional area (CSAs) of the median nerve at the level of the pisiform bone and flexor retinaculum thickness (FRT) were measured.
Results:
CSA was abnormal in 48.6% of patients (confidence interval 32.0-65.2%, P = 0.95). FRT was increased in only 34.3% (18.3-49.7%), but was independently abnormal in 2 patients. CSA abnormalities correlated with positive provocative tests and sensory loss. The HRUS changes were mild.
Conclusions:
HRUS confirms clinically diagnosed CTS in about half of the patients with normal NCS.
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