Diagnostic accuracy of Ultrasound and Carpal tunnel syndrome-6 scoring system for diagnosis of Carpal tunnel syndrome taking nerve conduction study as gold standard

Abstract

Background & Objective: Comparative analysis of different diagnostic tools will help clinicians in choosing the appropriate test for the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), is able to shorten the time of diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography and the CTS-6 scoring system with reference to nerve conduction test as gold standard for the diagnosis of CTS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at neurology department of Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad for one year. All patients presenting with signs and symptoms of CTS, and fulfilling the eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study. Enrolled participants underwent the nerve conduction study, ultrasonography, and the CTS-6 score to diagnose CTS. The diagnosis established by nerve conduction study (NCS) was considered as a gold standard.

Results: The sensitivity of CTS-6 scoring method was found to be 63.6%, and the specificity was found to be 78.3%, considering nerve conduction test as standard. On the other hand, the sensitivity of ultrasound technique was found to be 86.7%, specificity was found to be 70.3%, considering nerve conduction test as standard.

Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound and CTS-6 scoring method was found to have moderate diagnostic accuracy in establishing diagnosis of CTS.