Marlena Hupalo1, Janusz Smigielski2, Jan Fortuniak3, Dariusz J Jaskolski1. 1. Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology of Central Nervous System, Barlicki University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego 22, Lodz, Poland. 2. Department of Geriatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Pieniny 30, Lodz, Poland. 3. Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology of Central Nervous System, Barlicki University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego 22, Lodz, Poland. Electronic address: jfort@tlen.pl.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the diagnostic utility of the oxyneurography (ONG) in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: ONG examination of the median nerve was performed in 260 patients. The results were compared with nerve conduction studies and clinical provocative tests. RESULTS: ONG index greater than or equal to 62% was found in 95.18% of the patients with no or minimal Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) changes (1-2 according to the Padua classification) but only in 1.69% of the patients with advanced NCS changes (Padua 3-6). The sensitivity and specificity of the ONG study i.e. 95.18% and 98.31%, respectively, were compared with standard clinical tests: Tinel sign (61.45% and 14.69%), Phalen test (34.94% and 45.20%), reverse Phalen test (81.93% and 34.46%) and carpal compression test (91.57% and 72.32%). CONCLUSIONS: ONG index lower than 62% was indicative of CTS. ONG has higher sensitivity and specificity then other clinical tests and it is an accurate and reliable method for the diagnosis of CTS. SIGNIFICANCE: Oxyneurography is a non-invasive, fast and safe study which may play role in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the diagnostic utility of the oxyneurography (ONG) in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: ONG examination of the median nerve was performed in 260 patients. The results were compared with nerve conduction studies and clinical provocative tests. RESULTS: ONG index greater than or equal to 62% was found in 95.18% of the patients with no or minimal Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) changes (1-2 according to the Padua classification) but only in 1.69% of the patients with advanced NCS changes (Padua 3-6). The sensitivity and specificity of the ONG study i.e. 95.18% and 98.31%, respectively, were compared with standard clinical tests: Tinel sign (61.45% and 14.69%), Phalen test (34.94% and 45.20%), reverse Phalen test (81.93% and 34.46%) and carpal compression test (91.57% and 72.32%). CONCLUSIONS: ONG index lower than 62% was indicative of CTS. ONG has higher sensitivity and specificity then other clinical tests and it is an accurate and reliable method for the diagnosis of CTS. SIGNIFICANCE: Oxyneurography is a non-invasive, fast and safe study which may play role in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.