Use of Ultrasound in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Cost-Effective Solution to Reduce Delays in Surgical Care.

PURPOSE: Currently, electrodiagnostic testing, which comprises electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS), is the most commonly used method for confirming the clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Electromyogram and NCS can be costly, can require multiple visits, may induce anxiety, and may be painful for patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether replacing EMG/NCS with ultrasound (US), performed by the treating surgeon, to diagnose CTS decreases time to surgery and the number of office visits. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a database that consisted of patients who presented to our department with numbness and/or tingling in the hand(s). We assessed the patients' histories for any subsequent carpal tunnel release, dates of diagnosis, dates of surgery, the number of CTS-related medical visits, and diagnostic methods employed. A fellowship-trained hand surgeon performed US examination, and the patients were referred for EMG/NCS testing. We collected data prior to surgery using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire to evaluate symptom severity scale and functional status scale scores. We performed linear regression to assess differences in the time to surgery and the number of medical visits prior to carpal tunnel release. RESULTS: Patients who had the diagnosis confirmed by the surgeon using US (n = 34) underwent surgical intervention 3-4 weeks earlier, with 1.8 fewer medical visits on average than the number of medical visits for those who had their diagnosis confirmed using EMG/NCS (n = 98). CONCLUSIONS: If a confirmatory method for the diagnosis of CTS is required or desired by the treating surgeon, surgeon-conducted US might have an impact on the efficiency of care for patients with CTS. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.

Does Patient Sex Affect Ultrasound Cutoff Values for Severity Grading of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

PURPOSE: A growing body of evidence supports ultrasound (US) as an alternative first-line confirmatory test for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Recent studies have demonstrated a correlation of US cross-sectional area with electrodiagnostic (EDX)-determined severity; however, it is unclear whether patient sex affects the cutoff values used for determining severity. The purpose of this study was to determine if patient sex affects US graded severity when using EDX as the reference standard. METHODS: A cohort of 367 women and 46 men, aged 18-90 years, from 1 orthopedic hand surgeon's practice underwent EDX and US. Distal motor latency and distal sensory latency of the median nerve were recorded. Severity was classified using a modified Bland severity scale. The US measurements of the cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the wrist crease were acquired by a fellowship-trained hand surgeon. Separate receiver operator characteristic curve analyses of the male and female groups were performed for US cutoff values. RESULTS: The cutoff value in both the female (F) and male (M) patients was 11 mm2 for mild (area under the curve = 0.76 F; 0.78 M), 12 mm2 for moderate (area under the curve = 0.75 F; 0.73 M), and 13 mm2 for severe (area under the curve = 0.75 F; 0.71 M) CTS. The sensitivity of the cutoffs for mild, moderate, and severe CTS in the female and male groups was 49% and 56%, 44% and 50%, and 49% and 44%, respectively. The specificity of the cutoffs for mild, moderate, and severe CTS in the female and male groups was 75% and 79%, 74% and 82%, and 83% and 78%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patient sex does not appear to have a significant impact on the determination of CTS severity graded using US cutoff values. Ultrasound can be used to grade the severity of CTS with a 75% to 85% specificity but low sensitivity. A cutoff value of 13 mm2 can be used to classify CTS as severe. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Effect of Insurance Type on Access to Orthopedic Care for Pediatric Trigger Thumb.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of type of insurance coverage on the ability of a pediatric patient to obtain an outpatient orthopedic appointment for trigger thumb. METHODS: A list of 200 orthopedic practices in 4 states were contacted and presented with a fictitious 3-year-old patient with trigger thumb. The patient was presented as having Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance during the first call and Medicaid during the second call. Data regarding whether an appointment was offered or denied were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 200 practices, 81 were excluded, 22 because they did not answer the calls, 25 needed the patient's social security number, 19 needed medical records, 5 had no hand surgeon in the practice, and 10 would not see any children at all. Of the 119 practices included in the analysis, the private insurance patient was able to get an appointment 51.3% of the time whereas the Medicaid patient was able to get an appointment in 26.9% of instances. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant effect of insurance status on the ability of pediatric patients with trigger thumb to obtain outpatient orthopedic appointments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pediatric patients with Medicaid face greater barriers to accessing proper care for trigger thumb than patients with private insurance.

Elbow Biomechanics: Bony and Dynamic Stabilizers.

The elbow positions the hand in a stable manner relative to the trunk while allowing flexion and extension as well as forearm rotation at varying shoulder positions. Its ability to perform this task without joint subluxation is accomplished through a combination of bony congruency, ligamentous restraint, and dynamic stabilization. This article reviews the bony and dynamic contributors to elbow stability and kinematics. Bony stability is conferred through the morphology of the humeroulnar, humeroradial, and radioulnar joints. Depending on the arm position relative to the trunk and the degree of elbow flexion, the bony contribution will vary. Dynamic elbow stabilizers confer stability through the activation of various muscles that cross the elbow. These forces help resist valgus and varus forces and may also increase bony stability by generating compressive forces. The goal of this article is to review the literature surrounding the biomechanics of bony and dynamic stabilizers of the elbow while drawing clinically relevant biomechanical observations.

Correlation of ultrasound cross-sectional area of the median nerve, nerve conduction studies and 2-point discrimination.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between a measure of physical performance, a measure of physiology and a measure of anatomy in the setting of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: A retrospective review of 215 consecutive patients with suspected CTS was conducted. All patients were evaluated with static 2-point discrimination (2PD), ultrasound (US) measurement of the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Correlations between 2PD and US and NCS parameters were calculated. The ability of US/NCS to predict 2PD was evaluated. RESULTS: Analysis failed to prove a statistically significant correlation between 2PD and median nerve CSA. A weak correlation was detected between 2PD and NCS parameters. When 2PD was used as a reference standard, NCS parameters combined had the greatest sensitivity, followed by US. CONCLUSIONS: Currently used diagnostic tests (NCS and US) correlate poorly with 2PD. Muscle Nerve 000: 000-000, 2018 Muscle Nerve 59:236-239, 2019.

False-Positive Rates for Nerve Conduction Studies and Ultrasound in Patients Without Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the rate of false positives for nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and ultrasound (US) in a population without signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using a CTS-6 score of 0 as the reference standard. METHODS: Patients were included in this study if they were referred for NCSs for a reason other than CTS (cubital tunnel syndrome and/or cervical radiculopathy) and they had a CTS-6 score of 0. An US measurement of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at the level of the carpal tunnel inlet was performed by a certified ultrasound technician. An a priori CSA cutoff of 10 mm2 or greater measured using US at the carpal tunnel inlet qualified as a positive diagnosis. The NCSs were performed and interpreted according to national standards by a certified electrodiagnostician. All patients in this study were considered to not have a diagnosis of CTS based on the CTS-6 of 0. RESULTS: Forty hands with a CTS-6 of 0 were included in this study. The US was positive in 9 of 40(23%) and NCS was positive in 17 of 40 (43%). There were only 2 patients with a false-positive US that did not also have a positive NCS. However, there were 11 patients who had a false-positive NCS that did not have a positive US. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective cohort series has demonstrated that US has a lower false-positive rate than NCSs in asymptomatic patients as measured by the CTS-6 diagnostic tool. Studies with a low false-positive rate are preferred when ordering a confirmatory diagnostic test. Therefore, if a confirmatory diagnostic test is desired, we recommend that US be used rather than NCSs. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

A Prospective Comparison of Diagnostic Tools for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Nerve conduction studies (NCS), CTS-6, Wainner, Kamath, and Lo are diagnostic tests that are used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). To our knowledge, no study has compared the sensitivity and specificity of these 5 tests with one another. The purpose of this study is to compare NCS, CTS-6, Wainner, Kamath, and Lo using clinical diagnosis by a hand fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon as reference standard. METHODS: A hand fellowship-trained surgeon completed the CTS-6, Wainner, Kamath, and Lo diagnostic tools. Cutoff values for a positive test were based on values in the literature, if available. The NCS were performed by a certified electrodiagnostic physician according the standards of the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine and were interpreted using absolute latencies, relative latencies, and combined sensory index. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were calculated for the tests using clinical diagnosis as the reference standard. RESULTS: A total of 408 wrists from 250 patients were analyzed in the study. The NCS had the highest sensitivity (94%) but also the lowest specificity (50%) of any of the diagnostic tests. Using a cutoff of 18, CTS-6 had the highest specificity (99%). The NCS had the highest area under the curve at 74%, followed closely by the Kamath at 69%. CONCLUSIONS: The NCS were traditionally felt to be a strong confirmatory test given their high specificity. However, this prospective series demonstrated that NCS had the lowest specificity of any diagnostic test. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Consideration should be given to using alternative diagnostic tests/tools based on the results of this study.

Correlating Median Nerve Cross-sectional Area With Nerve Conduction Studies.

PURPOSE: To determine whether there is a correlation between the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve, as measured using ultrasound, and the distal motor and/or sensory latencies as measured on nerve conduction studies. METHODS: Patients with clinical signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome were prospectively enrolled in this study. Subjects underwent ultrasound measurement of the CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet by a fellowship-trained hand surgeon, followed by nerve conduction studies (NCS) by a certified electrodiagnostic technician who was blinded to the results of the ultrasound examination. Pearson correlations were performed to compare CSA and NCS. RESULTS: Pearson correlation was r = 0.57 between CSA and distal motor latency and r = 0.47 between CSA and distal sensory latency. Correlation was r = 0.81 between distal motor latency and distal sensory latency. CONCLUSIONS: There is a correlation between CSA of the median nerve and NCS. Further research is necessary to determine which test correlates better with patient symptoms and function. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

The Reliability of Ultrasound Measurements of the Median Nerve at the Carpal Tunnel Inlet.

PURPOSE: To determine the interrater and intra-rater reliability of ultrasound (US) measurement of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet. METHODS: Three examiners of varying levels of experience performed US measurements of the CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet of both wrists of 11 healthy volunteers. Each examiner was blinded to the measurements of the other examiners. The measurements were repeated 2 weeks later in random order to test intra-rater reliability. The Lin concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) for interrater and intra-rater reliability was calculated. RESULTS: The overall inter-rater LCCC was 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.73). Intra-rater LCCC varied based on examiner experience. The senior author had an intra-rater LCCC of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.80-0.96), the hand fellow had an intra-rater LCCC of 0.45 (95% CI, 0.17-0.66), and the first-year resident had an intra-rater LCCC of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.55-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate agreement among examiners of varying levels of experience when measuring the CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet. Examiner experience affected intra-rater reliability of measurements; an experienced examiner had nearly perfect agreement compared with moderate agreement for less experienced examiners.

Anatomy of the flexor digitorum profundus insertion.

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomical insertion of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) on the distal phalanx. METHODS: The FDP insertion to the index, middle, ring, and little fingers were dissected in 10 fresh-frozen cadavers. The FDP tendon was dissected off the volar plate, which was elevated from proximal to distal, before the distal phalanx was disarticulated. The distal phalanx was then inked and the FDP was sharply dissected from bone. The insertion length, width, and distance of the insertion from the joint were measured and the insertion surface area and centroid of the FDP insertion were calculated. RESULTS: The average insertion length and width were 6.2 mm (range, 5.1-7.0 mm) and 7.9 mm (range, 6.9-8.4 mm), respectively. The average surface area of the distal phalanx occupied by the FDP tendon, for all fingers, was 20% (range, 15%-27%). The average distance from the most proximal insertion to the joint surface was 1.2 mm (range, 0.4-2.1 mm) and the calculated centroid of the FDP insertion from the distal interphalangeal joint was 3.6 mm (range, 2.5-5.1 mm) or approximately 20% of the distal phalangeal length. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may aid anatomical attachment of the FDP tendon in the treatment of zone I injuries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A better understanding of the anatomy of the FDP insertion may aid proper repair positioning in the treatment of zone I injuries.

A Comparison of Plain Radiographs and Computed Tomography for Determining Canal Diameter of the Distal Phalanx.

PURPOSE: To compare plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) when determining the narrowest diameter of the medullary canal of the distal phalanx. METHODS: A database review identified 48 patients (23 male, 25 female) who underwent a CT scan of the hand and plain radiographs of the same hand. Using digital imaging software, the smallest diameter of the medullary canal was measured for each finger (index, middle, ring, little) on CT and on radiographs. RESULTS: The narrowest diameter of the medullary canal was measured on the axial CT and lateral hand radiograph at the transition between the tuft and the distal phalanx shaft. The mean narrowest diameters on plain radiographs for the index, middle, ring, and little fingers were 1.4 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.4 mm, and 1.1 mm, respectively. The mean diameters on CT were 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.2 mm, and 1.0 mm, respectively. Men had larger medullary canal dimensions (1.5-1.7 mm) than women (0.8-1.2 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The differences in canal diameter measurements between plain radiograph and CT were small and likely clinically insignificant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lateral radiographs can be used for preoperative planning when estimating the size of the distal phalanx intramedullary canal.

Biologic strategies to improve nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve repair.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injuries remain a challenging problem for microsurgeons. Direct repair is the gold standard, but often the surgeon is left with a gap that prevents tension-free repair. The use of empty tubes/conduits/allograft has resulted in regeneration of some sensory and motor function, but the results remain suboptimal compared with autograft. However, the use of nerve autograft has associated donor site morbidity and limited availability. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed to determine current biologic strategies to improve nerve regeneration after nerve repair. RESULTS: Nerve conduits, various neurotrophic factors, and stem cells are currently being studied as alternatives to the use of nerve autograft. CONCLUSIONS: Sensory and motor recovery after peripheral nerve regeneration remains suboptimal, especially in cases where primary nerve repair is not possible. Current strategies to augment nerve regeneration have focused on modulating the presence and activity of Schwann cells, either through direct implantation or by stimulating stem cells to differentiate toward Schwann cells, and through the use of neurotrophic factors to enhance the speed and quality of axon growth. Clinical studies will be necessary to determine the benefit of these strategies.

Povidone-iodine soaks for hand abscesses: a prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of povidone-iodine soaks on outcomes of hand infections after operative drainage. METHODS: We performed a single-center, prospective, randomized trial to evaluate 100 consecutive hand infections. Forty-nine patients received povidone-iodine soaks 3 times daily, and 51 patients received only daily dressing changes. Outcome measures were the number of operations, readmissions, reoperations for wound complications, and days spent in the hospital. RESULTS: Patients treated with povidone soaks averaged 1.6 operations, and patients treated with daily dressing changes averaged 1.4 operations, a statistically insignificant difference. The mean number of operations was also not different between groups for the dorsal hand or dorsal finger abscess subcategories. No significant differences were found in length of stay, number of readmissions, or number of reoperations for wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: Povidone-iodine soaks are not helpful in the postoperative management of hand infections TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Characteristics of Patients with Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome but Negative Diagnostic Testing.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a clinical diagnosis involving numerous confirmatory diagnostic tools, including patient questionnaires, ultrasound (US), and electrodiagnostic studies (EDX.) Patients may experience clinical symptoms of CTS with false negative diagnostic testing. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of patients with clinical symptoms of CTS with negative diagnostic testing. Methods: An existing database of 295 hands containing the six-item CTS-6, US of the median nerve, and EDX was queried. Patients with symptoms of carpal tunnel scoring 12.5 or higher on CTS-6 were sorted into those with all positive testing or negative testing. Results: In 60 patients, 103 hands had both positive US and EDX and a CTS-6 of 12.5 or higher. Twenty-nine hands in 25 patients had a CTS-6 of 12.5 or higher and both negative ultrasound and EDX. There was a significantly younger average age of 43 (P = 0.007) and lower average BMI of 28 (P < 0.0001) of patients in the negative diagnostic study group, compared with the average age of 53, and a body mass index (BMI) of 34 in the positive diagnostic study. Conclusions: In this series, patients with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and negative diagnostic studies were on average younger and had a lower BMI. These patients may warrant more careful consideration of CTS clinical diagnosis and counseling regarding a higher risk of false-negative confirmatory testing. Further studies are needed to determine possible effects of age and BMI on electrodiagnostic studies and ultrasound testing in CTS.

Subjective and Objective Differences in Patients with Unilateral and Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the Role of Obesity in Syndrome Severity.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether physiologic differences exist in musculoskeletal ultrasound nerve measurements when comparing bilateral and unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients. Similarly, the influence of body mass index on CTS severity is not well characterized. METHODS: Unilateral and bilateral CTS patients were seen from October of 2014 to February of 2021. Obese and nonobese CTS patients were compared. Median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTSQ), and six-item Carpal Tunnel Symptom Score (CTS-6) measures were obtained. Nerve conduction studies recorded distal motor latency (DML) and distal sensory latency (DSL). Statistical analysis used Wilcoxon signed rank testing for paired continuous variables, Mann-Whitney U testing for nonpaired continuous variables, and chi-square testing for continuous variables, with a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 109 (218 nerves) bilateral and 112 (112 nerves) unilateral CTS patients were reviewed. Bilateral patients had larger median nerve CSAs on their more symptomatic side, when defined by BCTSQ score ( P < 0.0001), CTS-6 score ( P < 0.0001), DML ( P < 0.0001), and DSL ( P < 0.01). Bilateral patients also had higher symptom severity scale ( P < 0.01) and DSL ( P < 0.001) outcomes compared with unilateral patients. Obese patients had higher median nerve CSA ( P < 0.01), prolonged DML, and prolonged DSL ( P < 0.0001) values despite similar CTS severity (BCTSQ and CTS-6). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound identifies the more symptomatic side in bilateral patients, which correlates with increasing severity (NCS and BCTSQ). Obesity increases median nerve CSA and prolongs nerve conduction studies without influencing CTS severity. This information can be used when considering which diagnostic test to order for CTS.

Characterization of Unpublished Manuscripts by Applicants to an Orthopedic Hand Surgery Fellowship.

Purpose: Obtaining a hand surgery fellowship is becoming increasingly competitive, and research is an important factor when assessing applications. Given the competitive nature of the fellowship application process, applicants may feel the need to bolster their application by misrepresenting their research experience. One form of misrepresentation rarely discussed in prior studies is the listing of submitted works under a "Publications" heading in curricula vitae. This study examines the prevalence of misclassification of manuscripts by applicants to a hand surgery fellowship and identifies factors that might be associated with incorrect classification. Methods: A retrospective review of 122 applicants to the 2020-2021 cycle for hand surgery fellowship was performed. Names and identifiable information were redacted prior to review. Demographic data collected included sex, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score, medical school rank, residency specialty, total publications, presence of submitted manuscripts in the "Publications" section, total number of submitted manuscripts, and total published abstracts and poster presentations. Results: A total of 1,098 listed publications across the 122 applicants were reviewed with a median of five publications per applicant. Submitted manuscripts were listed as publications by 33 applicants (27%). No observable differences by age, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score, or total number of publications were seen. Misclassification rates were not associated with publication totals. Conclusions: More than one-quarter of applicants incorrectly listed submitted or unaccepted manuscripts as publications. It is our hope that making fellowship applicants aware of this issue will decrease the rates of misrepresentation in future application cycles. Clinical relevance: The competition for hand surgery fellowships has become more intense, and this may explain our finding that 27% of applicants misrepresent the status of research on hand surgery fellowship applications.

Ultrasound Measurements of the Ulnar Nerve at the Medial Epicondyle Correlate With Electrodiagnostic Studies.

BACKGROUND: Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compressive neuropathy in the upper extremity and is commonly evaluated with electrodiagnostic studies (EDS). Ultrasound (US) has emerged as a potentially more efficient alternative to EDS. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether measurements of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve at the elbow correlate with EDS results. METHODS: This study was a prospective analysis of patients who presented with signs and symptoms consistent of cubital tunnel syndrome, who received USs of the ulnar nerve at the elbow and nerve conduction tests. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the correlation between ulnar nerve CSA and electrodiagnostic data. t Tests were used to evaluate statistical differences between the mean ulnar nerve CSA of patients with positive or negative nerve conduction study results. Youden Index was used to calculate the optimal cut-off point for US CSA based on maximal sensitivity and specificity. Statistical significance was based on a two-sided P less than .05. RESULTS: The association between increasing US CSA at the medial epicondyle with slowing of the conduction velocity of the ulnar motor nerve across the elbow was statistically significant (r = -0.35, P = .02). Patients with positive EDS tests had significantly larger nerve size than those with negative tests (all Ps < .03). A cut-off point of greater than or equal to 11 mm2 had a sensitivity of 70.83% and specificity of 66.67%. CONCLUSIONS: Larger ulnar nerve CSAs correlate with slowing of the conduction velocity on EDSs, and those with positive EDSs have larger nerve sizes than those with negative tests.

Ultrasound Cross-Sectional Area in Median Nerve Axonal Loss and Demyelination in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Introduction: Ultrasound is an effective diagnostic tool for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, it is unclear how ultrasound correlates with axonal loss and/or demyelination on electrodiagnostic studies (EDS). The objective of this study is to determine whether ultrasound cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve varies between patients with axonal loss or demyelination. Methods: A retrospective review was completed of patients who presented to an orthopaedic hand clinic with numbness/paresthesias over a 6-year period. Demographics, CTS symptoms scale 6 (CTS-6) scores, Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores, EDS results, and ultrasound results were collected. Median neuropathies were graded as normal, demyelination, or axonal loss using EDS reports. The data were analyzed with chi-square and t-tests. Results: In all, 383 hands were included (92 axonal loss, 182 demyelination only, and 108 neither). The average patient age was 52.2 and the average body mass index (BMI) was 31.7. The group consisted of 70.7% females, and 23.2% had diabetes. Patients with either axonal loss or demyelination had larger CSA and higher CTS-6 and BCTQ scores than patients with negative EDS. Patients with axonal loss also had larger CSA and higher CTS-6 and BCTQ scores than patients with demyelination only. The rates of positive ultrasound results between axonal loss and demyelination groups did not differ until the ultrasound cutoff was increased from 10 to 12 mm2. Conclusion: Rates of positive ultrasound results (CSA ≥ 10 mm2) do not differ between wrists with axonal loss or demyelination alone. Therefore, the character of carpal tunnel neuropathy does not affect ultrasound's diagnostic ability. Additionally, CSA increases as wrists develop axonal loss, and an increased ultrasound cutoff of 12 mm2 is correlated with this pathology.

Surgical Management of Hook of Hamate Fractures: A Systematic Review of Outcomes.

Purpose: This review aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) versus excision in the surgical treatment of hook of hamate fractures. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE databases from 1954 to 2023 was performed using the search term "hook of hamate fracture" to identify all publications regarding the use of ORIF or excision in the treatment of hook of hamate fractures. Outcomes included a return to sport, pain, ulnar nerve dysfunction, flexor tendon dysfunction, union rate, wrist range of motion (ROM; % of contralateral hand), grip strength (% of contralateral hand), and quick disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand scores. Results: Twenty-seven of the 705 total screened articles were included. Excision of the hook of hamate (n = 779) resulted in a shorter return to sport time (6 vs 7.8 weeks), lower rates of postoperative pain (6.1% vs 33.3%), higher rates of ulnar nerve sensory dysfunction (4.2% vs 0%), and higher rates of ulnar nerve motor dysfunction (1.5% vs 0%) relative to ORIF (n = 51). Chronic fractures had a longer return to sport time (7.2 vs 5.7 weeks) relative to nonchronic injuries. Conclusions: Both surgical procedures appear to yield acceptable outcomes in the treatment of hook of hamate fractures. However, based on the sparsity of available data, we are unable to determine a consistent difference between hook of hamate excision and ORIF. Clinical relevance: To our knowledge, no current consensus on the optimal surgical treatment for hook of hamate fractures exists. Our findings emphasize the need for a large prospective cohort study using standardized outcomes to provide strong evidence as to whether surgical excision or ORIF yields greater outcomes in the treatment of hook of hamate fractures.

A Logistic Regression Analysis of Factors Associated with Guarded Outcome after Carpal Tunnel Release in Symptomatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is a validated measurement tool to assess the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, and improvements in the BCTQ after carpal tunnel release (CTR) have been demonstrated to influence patient satisfaction. The authors hypothesized that patient-related factors influence response in BCTQ subscales, including the Symptom Severity Scale and the Functional Status Scale, after CTR. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery with follow-up BCTQ were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Paired t tests were used to compare BCTQ subscales at each follow-up time point. Minimal clinically important differences were set. Patients below these thresholds were deemed as having failure to improve after CTR. Univariate analysis was used to identify risk factors for failure to improve after CTR. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors for failure to improve after CTR. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients demonstrated significant improvements at all follow-up time points. The factor most associated with improvement beyond the minimal clinically important differences was a more severe score in the respective domain assessed. Other independent factors that influenced outcome after CTR included race, concomitant cubital tunnel release, sex, and age. CONCLUSIONS: CTR results in significant improvements in BCTQ and its subscales, with improvements stabilizing after 6 weeks. In a select cohort of patients, failure to improve after CTR occurs with factors independently associated with a lower degree of improvement. Identification of patients with these risk factors will provide a basis for counseling and increased monitoring of patients at risk for a guarded prognosis. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.