title: A randomized trial of diagnostic ultrasound to improve outcomes in focal neuropathies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neuromuscular ultrasound is valid, reliable, and accurate, but it is not known whether combining it with electrodiagnostic studies leads to better outcomes in individuals with focal neuropathies.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty individuals with focal neuropathy, based on history, examination, and electrodiagnosis, were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent neuromuscular ultrasound and were randomized to either have their ultrasound results sent to the referring physician or not have them sent. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months by evaluators blinded to group assignment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Overall Disability Sum Score and 7 of 8 domains of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) showed more improvement in the "report sent" group, although only the general health perception domain was significant (P = 0.005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most 6-month outcomes did not reach statistical significance between the 2 groups. However, the "report sent" group had trends toward better outcomes, with significance being reached in the general health perception domain of the SF-36.
authors: Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Main Floor Reynolds Tower, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA.
authors: Michael S
authors: MS
authors: Cartwright
authors: Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biostatistics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Leah P
authors: LP
authors: Griffin
authors: Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Main Floor Reynolds Tower, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA.
authors: Hugh
authors: H
authors: Dowlen
authors: Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Main Floor Reynolds Tower, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA.
authors: Jessica M
authors: JM
authors: Bargoil
authors: Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Main Floor Reynolds Tower, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA.
authors: James B
authors: JB
authors: Caress
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Zhongyu J
authors: ZJ
authors: Li
authors: Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Anthony J
authors: AJ
authors: Defranzo
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Ethan R
authors: ER
authors: Wiesler
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Christopher J
authors: CJ
authors: Tuohy
authors: Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Main Floor Reynolds Tower, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA.
authors: Nikhil
authors: N
authors: Balakrishnan
authors: Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Joseph A
authors: JA
authors: Molnar
authors: Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Main Floor Reynolds Tower, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA.
authors: Vanessa
authors: V
authors: Baute
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors: L Andrew
authors: LA
authors: Koman
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Gary G
authors: GG
authors: Poehling
authors: Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Main Floor Reynolds Tower, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA.
authors: Francis O
authors: FO
authors: Walker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020424:Ulnar Neuropathies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome; nerve; outcomes ultrasound; ulnar neuropathy at the elbow