[Validity of clinical signs and provocative tests in carpal tunnel syndrome]

The relevance of EMG study was assessed to ascertain the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in cases of positivity of clinical signs and provocative tests. A prospective study was conducted in 60 patients presenting 85 symptomatic hands. Correlation between 11 signs and tests (isolated or associated) was performed with EMG used as "standard". None of the signs or tests reached an acceptable level of sensitivity, specificity or predictive value. This exam was positive in only 62 per cent of cases. EMG seems to mandatory before deciding on surgical release of the carpal tunnel syndrome.