Assessing the accuracy of a combination of clinical tests for identifying carpal tunnel syndrome.

Boland RA, Kiernan MC

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a combination of selected provocative manoeuvres and sensory testing could improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Prospective studies were undertaken in 43 of 296 consecutive patients who were referred with suspected CTS and had undergone nerve conduction studies (NCS). Responses to Phalen's test, a modified carpal compression test (MCCT), and sensory testing over the thenar eminence were assessed for each patient. For each test sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were calculated.

The results indicate that assessment of thenar sensation does not improve the diagnostic accuracy of CTS. However, a positive Phalen's test is more likely to be associated with NCS changes that are consistent with CTS.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 2009 March 26, online article

Link to Abstract

Related posts:

1. Clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: Old tests–new concepts
2. Identifying SLAP lesions: A meta-analysis of clinical tests and exercise in clinical reasoning
3. Identifying SLAP lesions: a meta-analysis of clinical tests and exercise in clinical reasoning.
4. Scratch Collapse Test for Evaluation of Carpal and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
5. Clinical Features Influencing the Patient-Based Outcome After Carpal Tunnel Release