Early diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) in Indian patients by nerve conduction studies

Abstract

The present study was carried out for early confirmation of clinically
diagnosed patients of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) by electro-diagnostic tests which included motor conduction, sensory conduction studies and F-wave studies. The aim of the study was early confirmation of clinically suspected patients of CTS by motor and sensory conduction studies of median and ulnar nerves. Eighty subjects of age group 30-50 years (40 clinically suspected patients of CTS, 40 as control group) were studied. Motor and Sensory conduction velocities, distal motor and sensory latencies and F wave latencies of median and ulnar nerves were performed using RMS EMG EP Mark –II. Statistically significant (P < 0.001) slowing of motor conduction velocities for both nerves was seen in the CTS group as compared to control group. Decrease in sensory conduction velocity was
more pronounced in CTS group as compared to Control group. Statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in distal motor and sensory latencies was also observed for both median and ulnar nerves in the CTS group as compared to Control group, with more increase in distal motor latency than sensory latency. Increase in F wave latencies of both nerves was seen in the CTS group. Electrophysiological studies confirmed the early diagnosis of CTS with a high degree of sensitivity. Present results confirm selective slowing of sensory & motor conduction within wrist to palm segment in patients of CTS which is attributable to compression by the transverse carpal ligament or to a disease process of the terminal segment.

KEY WORDS: Nerve entrapments; Median neuropathy; Electro-physiological diagnosis; Distal and motor sensory latencies; Palm wrist conduction