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NCT Number: NCT06926777

Comparative Analysis of Median Nerve Parameters for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Diagnosis: Ultrasound Versus Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

Comparative Analysis of Median Nerve Parameters for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Diagnosis: Ultrasound vs. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) This clinical study aims to determine whether ultrasound can be as practical as NCS in diagnosing CTS. It will also evaluate the accuracy of different median nerve measurements in both tests.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Can ultrasound accurately detect CTS compared to NCS? Which median nerve measurements (such as size, speed, or function) are most useful for diagnosis? Researchers will compare ultrasound and NCS results in patients with CTS symptoms to determine which test is more reliable and patient-friendly.

Participants will:

1. Undergo both an ultrasound and a NCS for comparison. 2. Visit the clinic for testing and evaluation as part of the study. 3. Provide information about their symptoms and medical history related to CTS. This study aims to improve diagnosis accuracy and explore whether ultrasound could be a more comfortable and quicker alternative to NCS for detecting CTS.

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Key information

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cumulative Trauma Disorders Hypesthesia Median Neuropathy Mononeuropathies Nerve Compression Syndromes Nerve Conduction Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Paresthesia Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Sensation Disorders Signs and Symptoms Somatosensory Disorders Sprains and Strains Ultrasound Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

This study aims to compare ultrasound and NCS for diagnosing CTS by analyzing key median nerve parameters in both tests. CTS is a common condition caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure appropriate treatment.

Currently, NCS is considered the standard test for CTS diagnosis, measuring nerve function by assessing conduction velocity and latency. However, ultrasound has emerged as a potential alternative by providing structural imaging of the median nerve, including parameters like cross-sectional area (CSA), echogenicity, and flattening ratio.

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether ultrasound can be a reliable, non-invasive, and patient-friendly alternative to NCS for CTS diagnosis. By comparing nerve measurements obtained from both methods, researchers aim to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Participants with suspected CTS will undergo both ultrasound and NCS for comparison. Data will be analyzed to determine which test provides the most precise and clinically useful information. The findings of this study may help refine diagnostic protocols, potentially reducing the need for NCS in certain cases and offering a faster, more comfortable option for patients.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18 years or older.
  • Patients with clinical symptoms of CTS, including numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hand.
  • Positive findings on clinical examination, such as Tinel's sign, Phalen's test, or Durkan's test.
  • Willingness to undergo both ultrasound and NCS for diagnostic evaluation.

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous surgery for CTS in the affected hand.
  • History of peripheral neuropathy such as diabetic neuropathy
  • Other neuromuscular disorders affecting the upper limb such as cervical radiculopathy.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Severe comorbid conditions that may interfere with study participation.
  • Inability to provide informed consent.

Treatment and study plan

Nerve Conduction Study

Diagnostic Test

This study involves two diagnostic interventions for evaluating CTS:

Ultrasound Examination (Diagnostic Intervention)

  • A high-frequency ultrasound probe will be used to assess the median nerve at the wrist.
  • Parameters measured include cross-sectional area, flattening ratio, and echogenicity.

The goal is to determine if ultrasound can accurately diagnose CTS compared to NCS.

NCS (Diagnostic Intervention)

  • Surface electrodes will be placed on the skin to stimulate and record median nerve conduction.
  • Parameters such as latency, conduction velocity, and amplitude will be recorded.
  • NCS serves as the gold standard for diagnosing CTS and will be used for comparison with ultrasound results.

Each participant will undergo both ultrasound and NCS, allowing researchers to compare their effectiveness in diagnosing CTS.

Primary outcomes

  1. Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Compared to Nerve Conduction Study for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Time frame: Baseline

    Measuring the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing CTS compared to NCS Parameters, including Median Nerve Latency, Amplitude, and Nerve Conduction Velocity

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Syed Tameem Ul Hassan, MBBS, FCPS

CONTACT

[email protected]

00923368885877

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Combined Military Hospital Kohat Pakistan

Other Gov

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 15, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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