Assessment of Ultrasound Findings, Nerve Test Results, and Hand Function in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital109 enrolled

Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions caused by compression of a nerve at the wrist. It can lead to numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and difficulty performing daily activities. Although nerve conduction studies are widely used to confirm the diagnosis and assess disease severity, ultrasonography has become an increasingly important, non-invasive diagnostic tool. However, the relationship between ultrasound findings, nerve conduction study results, hand function, and symptom severity has not been fully clarified. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the clinical severity of carpal tunnel syndrome and ultrasonographic, electrophysiological, and functional parameters. Participants with carpal tunnel syndrome will undergo ultrasonographic measurement of the median nerve, nerve conduction studies, hand grip strength assessment, pressure pain threshold measurement, and completion of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The investigators hypothesize that greater clinical severity will be associated with larger median nerve cross-sectional area, more severe electrophysiological abnormalities, reduced hand grip strength, lower pressure pain threshold, and poorer functional status. The findings of this study may improve the understanding of the relationship between structural, electrophysiological, and functional changes in carpal tunnel syndrome and contribute to clinical evaluation and patient management.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

109

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Interventions

Participants will undergo a standardized diagnostic assessment including ultrasonographic measurement of the median nerve cross-sectional area at the carpal tunnel inlet, nerve conduction study evaluation, hand grip strength measurement using a Jamar dynamometer, pressure pain threshold assessment using a digital algometer, and completion of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. All assessments will be performed once during a single study visit. No therapeutic intervention will be administered.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Clinical findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome * Carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by electroneuromyography * Ability to understand and complete the study assessments * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous carpal tunnel release surgery * History of fracture, major trauma, or surgery involving the assessed wrist or hand * Cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, or other peripheral neuropathy affecting the upper extremity * Polyneuropathy * Inflammatory rheumatic disease or active infection involving the assessed upper extremity * Severe neurological or musculoskeletal disorder that may affect hand function * Inability to complete ultrasonographic, electrophysiological, functional, or questionnaire assessments

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area Measured by Ultrasonography (mm²)

The median nerve cross-sectional area will be measured by high-resolution ultrasonography at the carpal tunnel inlet (pisiform level). The mean of three measurements will be recorded in square millimeters (mm²).