Is there an association between electroneuromyography and ultrasound in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Abstract

Objective To verify whether there is an association between the results of the severity in electroneuromyography and the positivity in ultrasound in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods Sixty-eight patients were included in the study, 61 women and 7 men, with a mean age of 54.4 years. The ultrasound results (positive or negative) were crossed with the results of electroneuromyography (mild, moderate or severe), and the existence of association was verified. Results One hundred and thirty-six hands with suspicion or symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome were evaluated. Positive ultrasound diagnosis was observed in 72 hands and negative in 64; 123 hands presented positive electroneuromyography for carpal tunnel syndrome, and there were 13 negative results. The severe degree in electroneuromyography was prevalent. Conclusion There was a statistically significant association between electroneuromyography and ultrasonography (p < 0.05), and ultrasound positivity was higher for more severe levels of carpal tunnel syndrome given by electroneuromyography.