Critical Analysis of Diagnostic Means for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Rui Meneses Ibiapina Coelho1* and Fernando Antonio de Melo Filho2
1Neurosurgery Resident (PGY 5) at Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
2Neurosurgery Staff at Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
*Corresponding Author: Rui Meneses Ibiapina Coelho, Neurosurgery Resident (PGY 5) at Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Received: February 04, 2022 Published: February 17, 2022
Abstract
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common mononeuropathy. It is more prevalent in women. The median nerve is compressed into the osteofibrous tunnel formed by the bones that make up the carpus and ligament structures. The most common cause is idiopathic. A well-structured anamnesis with well-performed clinical examination has 80% specificity in the determination of the diagnosis. Well-performed physical examination should encompass motor assessment and sensitivity. In this case, it is important to perform the monofilament tests, two-point discrimination and the vibration with the tuning fork. Still on the physical examination, the provocative tests help to corroborate with the diagnosis. In more challenging cases or to measure the median nerve compression, we can make use of complementary exams such as Electromyography, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Keywords: Carpal Tunnel, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasonography, Tomography, Electromyography, Phalen, Tinel, Durkan
Citation: Coelho RMI, de Melo Filho FA. “Critical Analysis of Diagnostic Means for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome”. SVOA Neurology 3:1 (2022) Pages 15-20.
