Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025
06:40
Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
11.6K
The forearm elevation-compression test: a novel test for carpal tunnel syndrome
1Department of Neuroimmunology, Blizard Institute, 4 Newark St, London E12AT.
Summary
A new bedside test for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the forearm elevation-compression test (FECT), shows promise for rapid diagnosis. While it can have a high false-positive rate, modifications may improve its clinical utility.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Decreasing patient encounter times necessitate rapid diagnostic tools.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosis can be challenging at the bedside.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the forearm elevation-compression test (FECT) for diagnosing CTS.
- To compare the FECT's efficacy against established clinical signs and neurophysiological tests.
Main Methods:
- The forearm elevation-compression test (FECT) was performed on 40 patients with suspected CTS and 85 healthy controls.
- FECT results were compared with Tinel's sign, Phalen's sign, and electromyography/nerve conduction tests (EMG/NCT).
Main Results:
- FECT demonstrated frequent positivity in suspected CTS cases.
- In patients with clinically suspected CTS but normal EMG/NCT, FECT was positive in all cases (87.5% positive predictive value).
- A significant false-positive rate (21.2%) was observed in healthy controls using FECT.
Conclusions:
- The FECT is a valuable adjunct for the clinical assessment of suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Modifying the test by limiting tingling onset latency to 10 seconds or less (FECT2) may mitigate false positives.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
296
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
296
01:22Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
832
Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
832
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
2.2K
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
2.2K
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
512
The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
512
01:26Exercise Stress Test
192
Introduction
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
192
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
573
This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure:
Prepare for the Procedure:
573