DUCATS Trial: Dynamic Ultrasound to Enhance Understanding of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The following criteria must be answered yes to be enrolled:

• Does the patient have a clinical symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
• Is the patient an adult between the ages of 21 and 80?
• Has the patient had symptoms of numbness or tingling for at least 4 weeks in at least two digits on one hand that include thumb, index, long or radial border of ring finger?
• Does the patient have a clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome?
• Has the patient had and electrodiagnostic study (EDS) or EMG? (Does not need to be positive>)
• Is the patient able to understand and complete the study questionnaires and medical assessments in English?
• Is the patient clinically indicated for treatment with either a steroid injection or surgery as treatment for their CTS?

Exclusion criteria

The following questions if answered yes will exclude the patient from participation in the study.

• Has the patient had previous carpal tunnel release (CTR) or other volar wrist surgery on the hand?
• Does the patient have a known tumor, mass or deformity of the study hand or wrist?
• Does the patient have a previous history of steroid injection into the carpal tunnel (injection group only)?
• Does the patient have any of the following diagnoses or conditions:

• cervical radiculopathy
• rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis, including gout
• osteoarthritis in the wrist
• renal failure
• morbid obesity (body mass index >40)
• sarcoidosis
• peripheral nerve disease
• Diabetes
• thyroid disease or other metabolic disorder
• pregnancy
• amyloidosis
• major trauma (fractures or complete ligamentous tears) to the study hand or wrist?
• Is the patient a prisoner, institutionalized individual or someone who could be considered a vulnerable person, such as an individual with dementia?