INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to develop an evidence-based guideline for the use of neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Two questions were asked: (1) What is the accuracy of median nerve cross-sectional area enlargement as measured with ultrasound for the diagnosis of CTS? (2) What added value, if any, does neuromuscular ultrasound provide over electrodiagnostic studies alone for the diagnosis of CTS? A systematic review was performed, and studies were classified according to American Academy of Neurology criteria for rating articles of diagnostic accuracy (question 1) and for screening articles (question 2). RESULTS: Neuromuscular ultrasound measurement of median nerve cross-sectional area at the wrist is accurate and may be offered as a diagnostic test for CTS (Level A). Neuromuscular ultrasound probably adds value to electrodiagnostic studies when diagnosing CTS and should be considered in screening for structural abnormalities at the wrist in those with CTS (Level B).
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to develop an evidence-based guideline for the use of neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Two questions were asked: (1) What is the accuracy of median nerve cross-sectional area enlargement as measured with ultrasound for the diagnosis of CTS? (2) What added value, if any, does neuromuscular ultrasound provide over electrodiagnostic studies alone for the diagnosis of CTS? A systematic review was performed, and studies were classified according to American Academy of Neurology criteria for rating articles of diagnostic accuracy (question 1) and for screening articles (question 2). RESULTS: Neuromuscular ultrasound measurement of median nerve cross-sectional area at the wrist is accurate and may be offered as a diagnostic test for CTS (Level A). Neuromuscular ultrasound probably adds value to electrodiagnostic studies when diagnosing CTS and should be considered in screening for structural abnormalities at the wrist in those with CTS (Level B).
Authors: Kai F Loewenbrück; Julia Liesenberg; Markus Dittrich; Jochen Schäfer; Beate Patzner; Beate Trausch; Jochen Machetanz; Andreas Hermann; Alexander Storch Journal: J Neurol Date: 2016-01 Impact factor: 4.849
Authors: Michael S Cartwright; Francis O Walker; Jill C Newman; Mark R Schulz; Thomas A Arcury; Joseph G Grzywacz; Dana C Mora; Haiying Chen; Bethany Eaton; Sara A Quandt Journal: Am J Ind Med Date: 2013-08-31 Impact factor: 2.214
Authors: Michael S Cartwright; Leah P Griffin; Hugh Dowlen; Jessica M Bargoil; James B Caress; Zhongyu J Li; Anthony J Defranzo; Ethan R Wiesler; Christopher J Tuohy; Nikhil Balakrishnan; Joseph A Molnar; Vanessa Baute; L Andrew Koman; Gary G Poehling; Francis O Walker Journal: Muscle Nerve Date: 2015-09-10 Impact factor: 3.217
Authors: Michael S Cartwright; Francis O Walker; Jill C Newman; Thomas A Arcury; Dana C Mora; Chen Haiying; Sara A Quandt Journal: Muscle Nerve Date: 2014-06-16 Impact factor: 3.217
Authors: Ross Mandeville; Arvin Wali; Charlie Park; Erik Groessl; Francis O Walker; Michael S Cartwright Journal: Neurology Date: 2019-05-03 Impact factor: 9.910