Carpal tunnel sonography

Safety and Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Perineural Hydrodissection as a Minimally Invasive Treatment in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Ultrasound-guided perineural hydrodissection (HD) is a novel technique that has been found to be effective in providing mechanical release of perineural adhesions and decompression of the nerve, reducing inflammation and edema and restoring its physiological function. It has a significant impact on chronic neuropathic pain (20 ± 4 weeks with VAS < 5 or VAS diminished by 2 points after the procedure). Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment mononeuropathy, and its distribution is typically innervated by the median nerve. Patients with mild or moderate CTS may benefit from nonsurgical treatments or conservative therapies. This review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Four investigators assessed each title, abstract, and full-text article for eligibility, with disagreements being resolved by consensus with two experienced investigators. The qualitative assessment of the studies was carried out using the modified Oxford quality scoring system, also known as the modified Jadad score. Furthermore, risk of possible biases was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration tool. The results of this review suggest that US-guided HD is an innovative, effective, well-tolerated, and safe technique (11 out of 923 patients had collateral or side effects after the procedure). However, further studies comparing all drugs and with a larger sample population are required to determine the most effective substance.

Variations of the Median Nerve and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: a Systematic Review of the Literature

Objectives:The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the different variations of the median nerve (MN) and the diagnostic methods used to identify carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a common neuropathy resulting from the entrapment of the MN within the carpal tunnel. Understanding the different variations of the MN is crucial in order to prevent injuries during surgical treatment of the syndrome. Materials and methods:Data were extracted from studies published in PubMed. A detailed search in PubMed was performed for studies that reviewed the variations of the MN and CTS. Results:There are two main classifications of the MN, known as the Lanz and Amadio categories. Lanz's classification is the one being mostly used in the surgical literature, with group 3 (Bifid MN) being the main cause of the CTS. Additionally, there are branches and anastomosis of the MN that do not fit into either category, with the third common digital branch being the most injured nerve during carpal tunnel release surgery. Diagnostic techniques for CTS include physical examination combined with NCS tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, or elastography. While NCS has been previously the most commonly used diagnostic method, the recent literature suggests that ultrasound and elastography are the most accurate techniques. Conclusions:In order to minimize injuries during carpal tunnel release surgery, it is crucial to have knowledge on the different variations of the MN that cause CTS. Additionally, this review emphasizes the significance of the current diagnostic methods, which not only make CTS more affordable but also facilitate easier recognition of the condition.

Characteristics of diabetic and non-diabetic carpal tunnel syndrome in terms of clinical, electrophysiological, and Sonographic features: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Although diabetes is considered a major risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the characteristics of diabetic CTS have not been fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study is aimed at evaluation of the clinical, electrophysiological, and ultrasonographic findings of non-diabetic and diabetic CTS.

METHODS

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with CTS. Patient age, sex, involved side, body mass index, clinical and electrophysiological findings, and median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) were identified. Diabetes was identified through patient or guardian interviews, medical records, and medication history. Linear and binary logistic regression models were established to confirm the associations between the electrophysiological findings, median nerve CSA, and clinical outcomes. Covariates, such as age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, symptom duration, and thenar muscle weakness were adjusted.

RESULTS

Out of the 920 hands, 126 and 794 belonged to the diabetic and non-diabetic CTS groups, respectively. The patients were significantly older in the diabetic CTS group (P < 0.001). The rate of thenar weakness in the diabetic CTS group was also significantly higher than that in the non-diabetic CTS group (P = 0.009). The diabetic CTS group had a more severe electrodiagnostic grade (P = 0.001). The prolonged onset latency of the compound motor nerve action potential (CMAP) and median nerve CSA were well associated with the degree of clinical symptoms. Increased median nerve CSA was significantly associated with prolonged CMAP onset latency (β = 0.64; P = 0.012), prolonged transcarpal latency (β = 0.95; P = 0.044), and decreased CMAP amplitude (β = -0.17; P = 0.002) in the non-diabetic CTS group.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic CTS had more profound electrophysiological abnormalities. Distal motor latency and median nerve CSA were not only associated with each other, but also with clinical symptoms. Further studies are needed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diabetic CTS.

Imaging diagnosis in peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) can be caused by various factors, ranging from penetrating injury to compression, stretch and ischemia, and can result in a range of clinical manifestations. Therapeutic interventions can vary depending on the severity, site, and cause of the injury. Imaging plays a crucial role in the precise orientation and planning of surgical interventions, as well as in monitoring the progression of the injury and evaluating treatment outcomes. PNIs can be categorized based on severity into neurapraxia, axonotmesis, and neurotmesis. While PNIs are more common in upper limbs, the localization of the injured site can be challenging. Currently, a variety of imaging modalities including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have been applied in detection and diagnosis of PNIs, and the imaging efficiency and accuracy many vary based on the nature of injuries and severity. This article provides an overview of the causes, severity, and clinical manifestations of PNIs and highlights the role of imaging in their management.

Comparison of 4 weeks of cupping and Kinesio-taping on clinical and ultrasound outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To explore effect of cupping and Kinesio-taping techniques on clinical and ultrasound outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) during pregnancy.

METHODS

Thirty pregnant women suffering from CTS were randomly assigned into Kinesio-taping (n = 15) and cupping (n = 15) groups. In Kinesio-taping group, individuals underwent Kinesio-taping for three days, one day with no treatment, and three days with Kinesio-taping, continuing this procedure for four weeks. In cupping group, cupping was moved for 5 min with pressure of 50 mm-Hg on the carpal tunnel area. This procedure continued longitudinally in forearm area for 2 min. The therapeutic intervention of cupping group continued with eight sessions, two days a week for 4 weeks. Ultrasound outcomes including median nerve cross-sectional area through ultrasonography, and clinical outcomes including pain through visual analog scale and severity of symptoms and functional status through Boston questionnaire were measured in both groups before and after therapeutic program.

RESULTS

In both groups, a significant reduction was observed in all variables after treatment compared to pre-treatment (P < 0.001). In inter-group comparison, a significant improvement was found in outcomes of Boston questionnaire and ultrasound results about median nerve cross-sectional area at pisiform and hook of hamate in cupping group compared to Kinesio-taping at end of four weeks (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both cupping and Kinesio-taping improved clinical and ultrasound outcomes of CTS. However, efficacy of cupping compared to Kinesio-taping was better in improvement of median nerve cross-sectional area at hamate hook and pisiform levels, symptoms severity scale, and functional status scale, which makes the results clinically more applicable.

[Ultrasound examination of nerves of the upper extremities]

The ultrasound examination of peripheral nerves has been further developed in recent years and is recognized as an independent discipline by the German Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM). A systematic ultrasound examination of the musculoskeletal system is not limited to the joints, muscles and bones but should also include the examination of nerves and blood vessels. Therefore, in the practice of ultrasound examination every rheumatologist should have at least a basic knowledge of the ultrasound examination of the peripheral nerves. In this article the authors present a landmark-based concept in which the three large nerves of the upper extremities can be completely visualized from proximal to distal and evaluated.

Diagnostic modalities and physical therapy in patients with Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) represents one of the most common compressive peripheral neuropathies on the upper extremities, and is characterized by compression of the medial nerve on its way through the carpal tunnel area. The first changes experienced by patients with CTS are sensory and occur mainly at night, and if they are not recognized and treated in time, they progress and become continuously present. Prolonged compression of the medial nerve in the region of the carpal tunnel can lead to permanent damage to this nerve, which can result in the patient losing the ability to distinguish between hot and cold, as well as atrophy of the thenar muscles and difficulty in palmar abduction of the thumb. The diagnosis of CTS is generally made based on the patient's symptoms, clinical history and anamnesis, as well as electrodiagnostic tests. In addition to these methods, provocative tests, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultrasound examinations are used in the evaluation of CTS. In patients with CTS, a large number of treatment methods, both surgical and non-surgical, are used in clinical practice. Myofascial massage, ultrasound, interference currents, continuous short-wave diathermy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) have been shown to be beneficial in reducing pain and symptoms or improving function in patients with CTS in the short and medium term. It was also pointed out that there are no firm conclusions about optimal doses and therapeutic parameters. A better understanding of the etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of CTS, as well as the effects of certain therapeutic modalities in the treatment of this condition, will contribute to further understanding of the origin and progression of CTS, as well as the possibilities of prevention and treatment of these patients in order to improve the quality of their life and the functionality of the affected limb.

Sciatic nerve movement in the deep gluteal space during hip rotations maneuvers

We hypothesize that the sciatic nerve in the subgluteal space has a specific behavior during internal and external coxofemoral rotation and during isometric contraction of the internal and external rotator muscles of the hip. In 58 healthy volunteers, sciatic nerve behavior was studied by ultrasound during passive internal and external hip rotation movements and during isometric contraction of internal and external rotators. Using MATLAB software, changes in nerve curvature at the beginning and end of each exercise were evaluated for longitudinal catches and axial movement for transverse catches. In the long axis, it was observed that during the passive internal rotation and during the isometric contraction of external rotators, the shape of the curve increased significantly while during the passive external rotation and the isometric contraction of the internal rotators the curvature flattened out. During passive movements in internal rotation, on the short axis, the nerve tended to move laterally and forward, while during external rotation the tendency of the nerve was to move toward a medial and backward position. During the isometric exercises, this displacement was less in the passive movements. Passive movements of hip rotation and isometric contraction of the muscles affect the sciatic nerve in the subgluteal space. Retrotrochanteric pain may be related to both the shear effect of the subgluteus muscles and the endoneural and mechanosensitive aggression to which the sciatic nerve is subjected.

Sonography before and after carpal tunnel release: video article

Carpal tunnel release for compression of the median nerve at the wrist is a common procedure, often resulting in good clinical outcomes. There are, however, many anatomical variations in and around the carpal tunnel and it is important to be aware of these during carpal tunnel release. After surgery, recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome is uncommon, but difficult to diagnose and treat. Ultrasonography is often necessary for the evaluation of the anatomical variations before carpal tunnel release and to evaluate the most common complications after carpal tunnel release.