Revisiting ultrasound assessment of median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome: A review

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which occurs due to compression of the median nerve as it traverses the carpal tunnel at the level of the wrist joint, is the most common entrapment neuropathy. Conventionally, clinical evaluation and electrodiagnostic tests such as nerve conduction velocity and electromyography have been the mainstay of diagnosis in patients with clinically suspected CTS. In recent times, ultrasound (US) has become increasingly popular for diagnosing CTS. However, despite its widespread popularity, the criteria used for diagnosis vary widely. This paper aims to discuss multiple studies which evaluate the role of US in CTS and try to clarify which US criteria can be used with ease and accuracy in daily clinical practice.