title: Changes in treatment plan for carpal tunnel syndrome based on electrodiagnostic test results.
abstract: This study evaluated how often the treatment plan for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) changed based on electrodiagnostic test results. Secondly, we assessed factors associated with a change in the treatment plan for CTS. One-hundred-and-thirty English-speaking adult patients underwent electrodiagnostic testing in a prospective cohort study. Treatment plan was recorded before and after testing. Treatment plan changed in 25 patients (19%) based on electrodiagnostic test results. The plan for operative treatment before testing decreased significantly after testing (83% versus 72%). The best logistic regression model for no change in treatment plan included a prolonged or non-recordable median distal sensory latency (normal, prolonged, or non-recordable), and explained 24% of the variation. For surgeons that manage CTS on the basis of objective pathophysiology rather than symptoms, electrodiagnostic test results often lead to changes in recommended treatment.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: S J E
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Makanji
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ring
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; change; electrodiagnostic test; results; treatment plan