"Mild", "Moderate", or "Severe" Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Depends on Who You Ask: Analysis of Existing Classification Systems in 665 Hands.

OBJECTIVES: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy in the body and impacts approximately 5% of the U.S. population costing nearly $5 billion/year. Electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing is considered the gold standard for CTS diagnosis. Classification systems exist that categorize CTS severity based on EDX findings. This investigation evaluated EDX findings across consecutive CTS severity categories within existing classification systems and consolidated classifications. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 665 hands from 468 patients undergoing EDX testing for suspected CTS. Complete classification systems and consolidated classifications were evaluated for discrimination capability across consecutive CTS severity categories based on EDX findings. Additional analysis evaluated the relationship of sex and age factors and CTS severity. RESULTS: Consolidated classifications demonstrated superior discrimination capability between consecutive CTS severity categories regardless of classification system used. Demographic factors significantly influenced EDX findings and categorization of CTS severity. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the value of consolidated classifications for enhancing discrimination between consecutive CTS severity categories based on EDX findings. Demographic factors should be considered when interpreting EDX findings for the purpose of categorizing CTS severity. Future research should refine existing classification systems and explore additional factors influencing CTS severity used to inform medical management.

Machine learning-based approach for disease severity classification of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Identifying the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is essential to providing appropriate therapeutic interventions. We developed and validated machine-learning (ML) models for classifying CTS severity. Here, 1037 CTS hands with 11 variables each were retrospectively analyzed. CTS was confirmed using electrodiagnosis, and its severity was classified into three grades: mild, moderate, and severe. The dataset was randomly split into a training (70%) and test (30%) set. A total of 507 mild, 276 moderate, and 254 severe CTS hands were included. Extreme gradient boosting (XGB) showed the highest external validation accuracy in the multi-class classification at 76.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 71.2-81.5). XGB also had an optimal model training accuracy of 76.1%. Random forest (RF) and k-nearest neighbors had the second-highest external validation accuracy of 75.6% (95% CI 70.0-80.5). For the RF and XGB models, the numeric rating scale of pain was the most important variable, and body mass index was the second most important. The one-versus-rest classification yielded improved external validation accuracies for each severity grade compared with the multi-class classification (mild, 83.6%; moderate, 78.8%; severe, 90.9%). The CTS severity classification based on the ML model was validated and is readily applicable to aiding clinical evaluations.

Which Ultrasound Parameter Is More Accurate in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Cross-Sectional Area, Resistive Index, or Strain Ratio?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of cross-sectional area (CSA), resistive index (RI), and strain ratio (SR) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DESIGN: This prospective and case-control study included patients with a diagnosis of CTS and a healthy control group. The participants were examined with an ultrasound Doppler system equipped with a high-resolution (5-18 MHz) linear probe (Philips L18-5). CSA, RI, and SR values were compared. RESULTS: CSA, RI, and SR were found to be effective tools to detect the presence of CTS (regardless of severity). The cut-off value of 11.25 mm for CSA had a sensitivity and specificity of 97.2% and 88.0%, respectively. The cut-off value of 0.740 for RI had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.4% and 94.0%, respectively. The cut-off value of 1.95 for SR had a sensitivity and specificity of 97.2% and 84.0%, respectively. In respect of the severity of CTS, ultrasound was found to be an effective method to classify severe CTS cases only. CONCLUSION: The CSA, SR, and RI seem to have excellent accuracy in the diagnosis of CTS. When the grading of severity is considered, ultrasound seems to be sensitive and specific in differentiating severe CTS cases from mild or moderate CTS cases.

MRI criteria for diagnosis and predicting severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To study MRI criteria for diagnosing and predicting severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Sixty-nine wrists in 41 symptomatic CTS patients and 32 wrists in 28 asymptomatic subjects were evaluated by MRI. Circumferential surface area (CSA), flattening ratio, relative median nerve signal intensity, and retinacular bowing were measured. CTS severity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Parameters for patients with and without CTS and for the three severity groups were compared. ROC curves were plotted to assess accuracy for CTS diagnosis and severity prediction. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between CTS and control wrists for median nerve CSA, flattening ratio at inlet, relative median nerve signal intensity, and retinacular bowing. ROC curve analysis revealed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of median nerve CSA > 15 mm2 proximal to the tunnel (CSAp) of 85.5, 100, and 90.1%. Using either CSAp or CSAd > 15 mm2 as a diagnostic criterion, MRI could achieve a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94% for diagnosis of CTS while overall accuracy was 98%. Significant differences were found among the three severity groups. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of prediction of severe CTS using for CSAp > 19 mm2 were 75.0, 65.9, and 69.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is highly accurate at diagnosing CTS and moderately accurate at determining CTS severity. We recommend using CSA > 15 mm2 either proximal to or distal to the tunnel as a diagnostic criterion for CTS and CSA > 19 mm2 proximal to the tunnel as a marker for severe CTS.

Identification of Subgroups of Women with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Central Sensitization.

OBJECTIVE: Identification of subjects with different sensitization mechanisms can help to identify better therapeutic strategies for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The aim of the current study was to identify subgroups of women with CTS with different levels of sensitization. METHODS: A total of 223 women with CTS were recruited. Self-reported variables included pain intensity, function, disability, and depression. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed bilaterally over median, ulnar, and radial nerves, C5-C6 joint, carpal tunnel, and tibialis anterior to assess widespread pressure pain hyperalgesia. Heat (HPT) and cold (CPT) pain thresholds were also bilaterally assessed over the carpal tunnel and the thenar eminence to determine thermal pain hyperalgesia. Pinch grip force between the thumb and the remaining fingers was calculated to determine motor assessment. Subgroups were determined according to the status on a previous clinical prediction rule: PPT over the affected C5-C6 joint < 137 kPa, HPT on affected carpal tunnel <39.6ºC, and general health >66 points. RESULTS: The ANOVA showed that women within group 1 (positive rule, n = 60) exhibited bilateral widespread pressure hyperalgesia (P < 0.001) and bilateral thermal thresholds (P < 0.001) than those within group 2 (negative rule, n = 162). Women in group 1 also exhibited higher depression than those in group 2 (P = 0.023). No differences in self-reported variables were observed. CONCLUSION: This study showed that a clinical prediction rule originally developed for identifying women with CTS who are likely to respond favorably to manual physical therapy was able to identify women exhibiting higher widespread pressure hyper-sensitivity and thermal hyperalgesia. This subgroup of women with CTS exhibiting higher sensitization may need specific therapeutic programs.

GEHS Neurophysiological Classification System for Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Median neuropathy at or distal to the wrist or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of a number of muscle, tendon, and nerve-related disorders that affect people performing intensive work with their hands. Following a thorough history and physical examination, electrophysiological examination including both nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) testing may be performed and currently serve as the reference standard for the diagnosis of CTS. The EMG and NCS exams should identify the peripheral nerve, specific location in the nerve pathway, involvement of sensory and/or motor axons, and the presence of myelinopathy and/or axonopathy neuropathic process. NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS: Clinical electrophysiologists now have 2 neurophysiological classification systems for patients with CTS from which to choose when preparing their electrophysiological testing reports. The Bland (2000) and GEHS (2012) neurophysiological classification systems for patients with CTS are discussed. CASE STUDIES: Two case studies of patients with electrophysiological evidence of CTS are presented. Application and comparison of categorizations by the Bland and GEHS neurophysiological classification systems are incorporated into the presentation and discussion of these case studies. SUMMARY AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This article describes 2 neurophysiological classification systems for patients with CTS. The Bland system documents the distribution of patients with CTS on a scale based upon nerve conduction study findings, but it does not include any EMG findings in its grading scale. The GEHS neurophysiological classification system includes findings for both the NCS and EMG components of the electrophysiological examination. The GEHS classification system provides electrophysiological evidence of myelinopathy and/or axonopathy for patients with CTS. Additional research comparing the psychometric properties and prognostic utility of the Bland and GEHS neurophysiologic classifications is warranted.

Palmer Classification and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Ulnocarpal Impingement.

Ulnocarpal impaction (UCI) syndrome is a well-recognized and relatively frequent cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain and limitation of motion. In the setting of negative or questionable negative radiographs and a strong clinical suspicion for UCI, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is helpful in detecting occult disease. Current MRI technology is capable of providing high-spatial-resolution images on multiple planes while manipulating contrast to highlight different tissue types. However, imaging of the triangular fibrocartilage complex has been challenging because of the small and complex components of this structure. In this article, the stages of UCI are discussed with illustrations of the spectrum of MRI findings using Palmer classification as a guideline.

Ultrasound evaluation on carpal tunnel syndrome before and after bariatric surgery / Avaliação ultrassonográfica da síndrome do túnel do carpo antes e após cirurgia bariátrica

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in candidates for bariatric surgery comparing with the non-obese population and verify the effects on it of bariatric treatment. Methods: We studied three groups of individuals: 1) patients waiting for bariatric surgery (preoperative); 2) individuals who had already undergone the procedure (postoperative); and 3) control group. We collected demographic and clinical data of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Ultrasound examination was carried out to diagnose the syndrome by measuring the median nerve area. Results: We included 329 individuals (114 in the preoperative group, 90 in the postoperative group and 125 controls). There was a higher prevalence of paresthesias (p=0.0003), clinical tests (p=0.0083) on the preoperative group when compared with controls (p<0.00001). There were lowe levels of paresthesias (p=0.0002) and median nerve area (p=0.04) in postoperative patients but with no significant difference in general. A significant difference was found between the preoperative and postoperative groups (p=0.05) in those who performed non-manual work. Conclusion: There was a higher prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in the preoperative group compared with the control one, but no significant difference was observed between the pre and postoperative groups in general. There was difference between pre and postoperative groups for non-manual workers. .

Objetivo: verificar a prevalência da STC em pacientes obesos candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica comparada com a prevalência em indivíduos não obesos e em pacientes já submetidos ao procedimento cirúrgico para verificar se as medidas de perda de peso influem na prevalência e gravidade dos sintomas. Métodos: três grupos de indivíduos foram estudados: 1) candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica (pré-operatório); 2) já submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico bariátrico (pós-operatório) e 3) grupo controle. Foram coletados dados demográficos e clínicos referentes à síndrome do túnel do carpo. Foi realizada ultrassonografia para medição da área da secção transversa do nervo mediano para o diagnóstico da síndrome. Resultados: foram incluídos 329 indivíduos (114 no grupo pré-operatório, 90 no grupo pós-operatório e 125 controles). Houve maior prevalência de parestesias quando se comparou o grupo pré-operatório com o controle (p<0,00001). Houve diminuição das parestesias (p=0,0002) e da área da secção transversa do nervo mediano (p=0.04) nos pacientes do pós-operatório, mas não houve diferença significativa na prevalência geral da síndrome do túnel do carpo. Foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos pré e pós-operatório (p=0,05) nos indivíduos que realizavam trabalho não manual. Conclusão: houve maior prevalência da síndrome do túnel do carpo entre o grupo pré-operatório comparado com o controle, mas não se observou diferença significativa entre os grupos pré e pós-operatório no geral. Houve diferença entre os grupos pré e pós-operatório dentre os trabalhadores não manuais. .

Ultrasound evaluation on carpal tunnel syndrome before and after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in candidates for bariatric surgery comparing with the non-obese population and verify the effects on it of bariatric treatment. METHODS: We studied three groups of individuals: 1) patients waiting for bariatric surgery (preoperative); 2) individuals who had already undergone the procedure (postoperative); and 3) control group. We collected demographic and clinical data of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Ultrasound examination was carried out to diagnose the syndrome by measuring the median nerve area. RESULTS: We included 329 individuals (114 in the preoperative group, 90 in the postoperative group and 125 controls). There was a higher prevalence of paresthesias (p=0.0003), clinical tests (p=0.0083) on the preoperative group when compared with controls (p<0.00001). There were lowe levels of paresthesias (p=0.0002) and median nerve area (p=0.04) in postoperative patients but with no significant difference in general. A significant difference was found between the preoperative and postoperative groups (p=0.05) in those who performed non-manual work. CONCLUSION: There was a higher prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in the preoperative group compared with the control one, but no significant difference was observed between the pre and postoperative groups in general. There was difference between pre and postoperative groups for non-manual workers.

[Neurography for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome]. / Nevrografi ved karpaltunnelsyndrom.

BACKGROUND: A number of evidence-based guidelines now recommend that a nerve conduction study should be used to confirm the existence of carpal tunnel syndrome before any surgery takes place. METHOD: The article is based on a search in PubMed, a personal literature archive (1980-2011) and long clinical experience of neurological and neurophysiological diagnostics. RESULTS: Both motor and sensory nerve fascicles must be tested after adequate warming up. An extended nerve conduction study with supplementary tests to compare velocities and latencies in median and ulnar nerves, increases the diagnostic precision. Given normal or mild findings, surgery can usually be avoided as the first choice of treatment, because many patients with mild carpal tunnel syndrome recover spontaneously. INTERPRETATION: The gold standard for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome should be a combination of a clinical examination and a nerve conduction study.

Interobserver agreement in case history evaluation in carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The case history is the cornerstone for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The value of neurological examination in CTS seems limited. In this study, we investigated the interobserver agreement in case history of CTS and the potential additional value of neurological examination. METHODS: Case history was taken and neurological examination was done in all patients referred for a possible CTS during a 6-month period. This was done independently by 2 senior neurologists. RESULTS: We studied 119 patients. The interobserver agreement for the conclusion of CTS after history was high (k = 0.79). Neurological examination rarely changed the diagnosis based on the case history. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of CTS based on patient history alone. Neurological examination rarely changed this diagnosis, suggesting a prominent role for the case history and a limited role for neurological examination. This may have practical implications.

Median nerve ultrasonography in distinguishing neuropathy sub-types: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic potential of ultrasonography (US) in polyneuropathy has been studied rarely, with complex measurement/correction techniques. Whether US may be useful in clinical practice remains uncertain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We aimed to ascertain the value of US, as performed routinely at our institution, in differentiating neuropathy sub-types. We prospectively studied 14 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and 14 patients with sensory axonal neuropathy (SAN). Median nerves were studied bilaterally at wrist and forearm by a radiologist blinded to the neuropathy sub-type. Nerve width (medial to lateral diameter), thickness (anterior to posterior diameter) and cross-sectional area were compared in between patient groups and anatomical sites. Optimal cut-off values were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Largest measured median nerve thickness was significantly greater in patients with CIDP (P = 0.014), and ROC curve analysis indicated a cut-off offering a sensitivity of 57.1% for CIDP and specificity of 92.9% vs SAN. Nerves were wider and had larger cross-sectional areas, but were not thicker, at wrist compared to forearm in both patient groups. There was an equal prevalence in both patients with CIDP and SAN, of increased median nerve wrist-to-forearm area ratio, compatible with sub-clinical carpal tunnel syndrome. CONCLUSION: This prospective, blinded, pilot study is the first to indicate the diagnostic potential of US, as performed routinely, in distinguishing between acquired demyelinating and axonal neuropathy. These findings now require confirmation in larger, adequately designed studies, evaluating other nerves/nerve sites, assessing healthy controls and taking into account interrater and equipment variabilities.

Does the severity of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome influence the timing of staged bilateral release?

A retrospective chart analysis was performed of 66 patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who underwent either single endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) or staged bilateral ECTR to determine the frequency and timing of contralateral surgery. Bilateral CTS patients with contralateral severe CTS underwent bilateral staged ECTR 86% of the time and the second operation was performed 6 ± 5 weeks after the initial ECTR. Patients with contralateral moderate CTS underwent bilateral staged ECTR 74% of the time with a mean of 11 ± 3 months between operations. Patients with contralateral mild CTS underwent bilateral staged ECTR 20% of the time and averaged 7 ± 3 years between procedures. For patients with bilateral CTS, the severity of CTS on the contralateral side to the initial release affects both the frequency and timing of the contralateral surgery. This information may be used to establish guidelines for treatment with bilateral simultaneous CTR.

Comparison of research case definitions for carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess agreement between different case definitions of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) for epidemiological studies. METHODS: We performed a literature search for papers suggesting case definitions for use in epidemiological studies of CTS. Using data elements based on symptom questionnaires, hand diagrams, physical examinations, and nerve conduction studies collected from 1107 newly-hired workers, each subject in the study was classified according to each of the case definitions selected from the literature. We compared each case definition to every other case definition, using the Kappa statistic to measure pair-wise agreement on whether each subject met the case definition. RESULTS: We found six unique papers in a 20-year period suggesting a case definition of CTS for use in population-based studies. We extracted seven case definitions. Definitions included different parameters: (i) symptoms only, (ii) symptoms and physical examination, (iii) symptoms and either physical examination or median nerve conduction study, and (iv) symptoms and nerve conduction study. When applied to our study population, the prevalence of CTS using different case definitions ranged from 2.5-11.0%. The percentage of misclassification was between 1-10%, with generally acceptable levels of agreement (kappa values ranged from 0.30-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Different case definitions resulted in widely varying prevalences of CTS. Agreement between case definitions was generally good, particularly between those that required very specific symptoms or the combination of symptoms and physical examination or nerve conduction. The agreement observed between different case definitions suggests that the results can be compared across different research studies of risk factors for CTS.

Indications for performing carpal tunnel surgery: clinical quality measures.

BACKGROUND: Rates of carpal tunnel surgery vary for unclear reasons. In this study, the authors developed measures determining when surgery is necessary (benefits exceed risks), inappropriate (risks outweigh benefits), or optional. METHODS: Measures were developed using a modified-Delphi panel. Clinical scenarios were defined incorporating symptom severity, symptom duration, clinical probability of carpal tunnel syndrome, electrodiagnostic testing, and nonoperative treatment response. A multidisciplinary panel of 11 carpal tunnel syndrome experts rated appropriateness of surgery for each scenario on a scale ranging from 1 to 9 scale (7 to 9, surgery is necessary; 1 to 3, surgery is inappropriate). RESULTS: Of 90 scenarios (36 for mild, 36 for moderate, and 18 for severe symptoms), panelists judged carpal tunnel surgery as necessary for 16, inappropriate for 37, and optional for 37 scenarios. For mild symptoms, surgery is generally necessary when clinical probability of carpal tunnel syndrome is high, there is a positive electrodiagnostic test, and there has been unsuccessful nonoperative treatment. For moderate symptoms, surgery is generally necessary with a positive electrodiagnostic test involving two or more of the following: high clinical probability, unsuccessful nonoperative treatment, and symptoms lasting longer than 12 months. Surgery is generally inappropriate for mild to moderate symptoms involving two or more of the following: low clinical probability, no electrodiagnostic confirmation, and nonoperative treatment not attempted. For severe symptoms, surgery is generally necessary with a positive electrodiagnostic test or unsuccessful nonoperative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first formal measures assessing appropriateness of carpal tunnel surgery. Applying these measures can identify underuse (failure to provide necessary care) and overuse (providing inappropriate care), giving insight into variations in receipt of this procedure.

A new clinical scale to grade the impairment of median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) distribution of paresthesias is related to the degree of the nerve impairment. To improve the clinical ability in detecting the damage severity, we have introduced the criteria "distribution of paresthesias" in a previous clinical scale: the historical-objective scale (Hi-Ob). METHODS: We evaluated 100 consecutive patients (40 bilateral CTS) to validate a five stages clinical scale: the Historical-objective-distribution based scale (Hi-Ob-Db). We compared the Hi-Ob-Db with a validated neurophysiological classification and with the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). The BCTQ evaluates two domains, one assessing symptoms (SYMPT=patient-oriented symptom), and the other analysing "functional status" (FUNCT=patient-oriented function). RESULTS: The positive correlation between the Hi-Ob-Db and neurophysiological findings (p<0.001, r:0.79) was stronger than correlation between the Hi-Ob and the neurophysiological classification (p<0.001, r:0.74). A linear correlation between the Hi-Ob-Db and the patient-oriented scores was observed, respectively FUNCT (p<0.003, r:0.38) and SYMPT (p<0.002, r:0.30). CONCLUSIONS: The Hi-Ob-Db is a clinical scale which correlates with the neurophysiological impairment of the median nerve and with patient-oriented findings in patients with CTS. SIGNIFICANCE: The new scale may be useful in routine examination and for scientific purposes.

Efficacy of acupuncture versus night splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of acupuncture with night splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty one mild-to-moderate degree CTS patients, aged 27-67 were randomly assigned to acupuncture (Acu) and night splinting (NS) groups. The Acu group received 10 sessions of electro-acupuncture twice a week. The NS group received prefabricated volar neutral wrist splint during the night for 5 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and the end of treatment protocol by Boston Carpal Tunnel Scale comprising symptom severity scale (SSS) and functional status scale (FSS). Pain was measured by 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: VAS decreased more in Acu than in the NS group (p = 0.028) whereas improvements in SSS and FSS were not significant between both groups. CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture was as effective as night splinting in respect of overall symptoms and functions in mild-to-moderate degree CTS. However, pain was reduced more by electro-acupuncture than night splinting.

Ulnar nerve impairment at the wrist does not contribute to extramedian sensory symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Extramedian spread of sensory symptoms is frequent in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) but its mechanisms are unclear. We explored the possible role of subtle ulnar nerve abnormalities in the pathogenesis of extramedian symptoms. METHODS: We recruited 350 CTS patients. After selection, 143 patients (225 hands) were included. The hand symptoms distribution was graded with a diagram into median (MED) and extramedian (EXTRAMED) pattern. We tested the correlation of ulnar nerve conduction measures with the distribution and the severity of symptoms involving the ulnar territory. The clinical significance of ulnar nerve conduction findings was explored with quantitative sensory testing (QST). RESULTS: EXTRAMED distribution was found in 38.7% of hands. The ulnar neurographic measures were within normal values. Ulnar nerve sensory measures were significantly better in EXTRAMED vs MED hands and not significantly correlated to ulnar symptoms severity. Ulnar and median nerve sensory measures were significantly correlated. QST showed normal function of ulnar nerve alphabeta-fibers. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar nerve sensory abnormalities do not contribute to the spread of sensory symptoms into the ulnar territory. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data favour the hypothesis that spinal and supraspinal neuroplastic changes may underlie extramedian spread of symptoms in CTS.

Severity scoring in carpal tunnel syndrome helps predict the value of conservative therapy.

A prospective study was performed to assess the outcome of conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and to establish the predictive value of preoperative Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire scores. Sixty-seven patients with 101 symptomatic hands underwent an evidence-based education and conservative therapy regime prior to surgery. All patients were scored using the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire at presentation and at 3 months. Fifty-eight of 67 patients completed both assessments providing a complete assessment of 89 symptomatic hands. The mean Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire scores improved significantly from 2.45 to 2.12 and throughout the duration of the study 73% of patients improved with conservative treatment and 14% did not require surgery. Severity scoring at presentation was predictive of outcome with conservative therapy. This work suggests that the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire can be used to identify patients who are likely to respond to conservative treatment.