title: Electrodiagnostic Testing and Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Canada.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  1) Assess which electrodiagnostic studies Canadian clinicians use to aid in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). 2) Assess whether Canadian clinicians follow the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine/American Academy of Neurology/American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Practice Parameter for Electrodiagnostic Studies in CTS. 3) Assess how Canadian clinicians manage CTS once a diagnosis has been established.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective observational study, an electronic survey was sent to all members of the Canadian Neuromuscular Group (CNMG) and the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (CAPM&R) Neuromuscular Special Interest Group. Questions addressed which electrodiagnostic tests were being routinely used for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Management recommendations for CTS was also explored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 70 individuals who completed the survey, fourteen different nerve conduction study techniques were reported. Overall, 36/70 (51%) of participants followed the AANEM/AAN/AAPM&R Practice Parameter. The standard followed by the fewest of our respondents with 64% compliance (45/70) was the use of a standard distance of 13 to 14 cm with respect to the median sensory nerve conduction study. Regarding management, 99% would recommend splinting in the case of mild CTS. In moderate CTS, splinting was recommended by 91% of clinicians and 68% would also consider referral for surgery. In severe CTS, most recommended surgery (93%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is considerable variability in terms of which electrodiagnostic tests Canadian clinicians perform for CTS. Canadian clinicians are encouraged to adhere to the AANEM/AAN/AAPM&R Practice Parameter for Electrodiagnostic Studies in CTS.
authors.affiliation: 1Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta.
authors.forename: Rodney
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Li Pi Shan
authors.affiliation: 6Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences,University of Western Ontario,London,Ontario.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nicolle
authors.affiliation: 5Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Department of Medicine,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta.
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: 5Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Department of Medicine,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta.
authors.forename: Nigel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ashworth
authors.affiliation: 2Division of Neurology,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: 7Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Island Health,University of Victoria,Victoria.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Winston
authors.affiliation: 1Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta.
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dukelow
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology*; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013165:Splints / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: electrodiagnostic studies; electromyography