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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Ultrasound | Research article

Postoperative diagnostic potentials of median nerve strain and applied pressure measurement after carpal tunnel release

Authors: Yuichi Yoshii, Wen-lin Tung, Hiroshi Yuine, Tomoo Ishii

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Bakground

The objective of this study is to investigate the prognostic values of median nerve strain and applied pressure measurement for the assessment of clinical recovery after carpal tunnel release.

Methods

Forty-five wrists, from 45 idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients who treated with open carpal tunnel release, were evaluated by ultrasound. Median nerve strain, pressure applied to the skin, and ratio of pressure-strain were measured at the proximal part of the carpal tunnel. In addition, distal latencies in the motor and sensory nerve conductions studies and cross-sectional area of median nerve were measured. The parameters were compared before and after the open carpal tunnel release. According to patient recovery, the receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to evaluate the prognostic values of the parameters. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were compared among parameters.

Results

There was a significant increase in the median nerve strain, and significant decreases in the pressure applied to the skin and ratio of pressure-strain after carpal tunnel release (P < 0.01). There were significant decreases in the distal latencies and the cross-sectional area after carpal tunnel release (P < 0.01). The areas under the curves were 0.689, 0.773, 0.811, 0.668, 0.637, and 0.562 for the pressure, strain, pressure-strain ratio, motor latency, sensory latency, and area, respectively.

Conclusions

The results suggest that elasticity of the median nerve and pressure around the nerve recover quickly after carpal tunnel release. Pressure-strain ratio was the most reliable parameter to reflect clinical recovery. The measurement of strain and applied pressure can be useful indicators to evaluate effectiveness of the carpal tunnel release.

Trial registration

Registered as NCT04027998 at ClinicalTrials.gov. Retrospectively registered on July 22, 2019.

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Title: Postoperative diagnostic potentials of median nerve strain and applied pressure measurement after carpal tunnel release
Authors: Yuichi Yoshii
Wen-lin Tung
Hiroshi Yuine
Tomoo Ishii
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Ultrasound
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Ultrasound
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-3033-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Postoperative diagnostic potentials of median nerve strain and applied pressure measurement after carpal tunnel release

Abstract

Bakground

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Bakground

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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