Rivas-Gallardo BP, Guerrero-Avendaño G, González-de la Cruz J

Language: Spanish
References: 15
Page: 371-376
PDF size: 453.40 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity; its prevalence is greater in females and it has been associated with some severe inflammatory states, as well as certain occupations. Ultrasound of the median nerve is useful in diagnosing this syndrome, with sensitivity and specificity similar to those of electrodiagnostic studies.
Objective: Prove that, by correlating clinical data with ultrasound findings from the carpal region, it is possible to conclusively establish a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, and identify possible concomitant structural or anatomical causes that condition extrinsic compression of the median nerve.
Material and method: An observational and descriptive transverse clinical study, in the period from June through October 2014. Data were analyzed from 25 patients with diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome by electromyogram in Unit 106, Orthopedics Service, at Hospital General de México. By gender, 84% of the patients were women and 16% were men; the age range was 29 to 64 years.
Results: The greatest distribution was observed in patients with activities involving repetitive use of the wrist and hand. The three most evident sonographic findings indicating changes due to carpal tunnel syndrome were: sectional area of the median nerve of 16 mm², thickness of the flexor retinaculum of up to 1.82 mm, and carpal tunnel height of 10.1 mm.
Discussion and conclusions: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity. The documented frequency by gender was confirmed, and a greater association of the condition with certain everyday activities and direct prevalence in the dominant hand were observed. The ultrasound measurements described are similar to those described in the international specialized literature and it is possible to view regional vascular, muscular, and bone anatomical structures. Ultrasound is a useful imaging method in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, which has proven to be simple, fast, economical, and reproducible. It could be included in the initial evaluation protocol for patients with this condition.

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