Ultrasound measurement of subsynovial connective tissue thickness in the carpal tunnel: An intrarater/interrater reliability and agreement study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Non-inflammatory thickening of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) in the carpal tunnel is commonly found in subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and quantification may shed light on CTS pathogenesis. To date, information on the reliability of ultrasound quantification of SSCT is scarce. Therefore, we investigated intrarater and interrater reliability/agreement for ultrasound quantification of SSCT thickness in subjects with and without CTS, and predictors for tissue thickness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two investigators quantified SSCT thickness and thickness ratio on ultrasound in 16 healthy subjects (age, 24-65 years; 16 left/14 right wrists) and 17 subjects with CTS (age, 37-83 years; 14 left/14 right wrists). Intra- and inter-rater reliability/agreement were assessed on intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change. A mixed-effects model was used to evaluate potential predictors for SSCT thickness. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-rater reliability analysis showed good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients in both groups, ranging from 0.772 to 0.965. The maximum percentage standard error of measurement was 8%. The maximum minimal detectable change was 14% within raters, and 20% between raters. Both intra- and inter-rater reliability values for thickness ratio were poor. Presence of CTS (ß = 0.180; p = 0.015) correlated positively with SSCT thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is a reliable method for quantification of SSCT thickness, but not for thickness ratio. Presence of CTS correlates positively with SSCT thickness.