Reduced longitudinal excursion of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if longitudinal excursion of the median nerve is reduced in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
University human movement laboratory.


METHODS
Nineteen patients with CTS (8 men, 11 women; mean age, 57+/-15 y), and 37 healthy controls (8 men, 29 women; mean age, 48+/-10 y).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Longitudinal excursion of the median nerve, and the ratio of nerve to flexor digitorum superficialis tendon excursion at the carpal tunnel evoked by finger extension. Measurements were taken using a validated Doppler ultrasound technique, and tests were conducted with the elbow positioned in extension and flexion.


RESULTS
Mean longitudinal excursion of the median nerve was significantly greater in controls (11.2+/-2.8 mm) than patients (8.3+/-2.6 mm) with the elbow extended (P=.013), but not with the elbow flexed (controls, 12.5+/-2.5 mm; patients, 10.2+/-3.1 mm; P=.089). Mean nerve/tendon excursion ratios were significantly greater in controls (.32+/-.07) than patients (.23+/-.06), with the elbow extended (P<.001), and flexed (controls, .36+/-.06; patients, .28+/-.10; P=.019). Discriminant analysis identified that 11 (58%) of the 19 patients and 3 (8%) of the 37 controls showed a nerve/tendon excursion ratio of .25 or less when tested with the elbow in extension.


CONCLUSIONS
Reduced longitudinal excursion of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel was identified in a substantial proportion of patients with CTS. Further studies are merited to determine if reduced median nerve excursion at the carpal tunnel is clinically relevant in CTS, and can be influenced by movement-based interventions.
Hough
Alan D
AD
School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK. alan.hough@plymouth.ac.uk
Moore
Ann P
AP
Jones
Mark P
MP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler