CARPAL-TUNNEL SYNDROME - CLINICAL SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Abstract

In the 1st part of this study 17 patients with a clinically clear-cut carpal tunnel syndrome but with normal electrophysiological findings were controlled after 1-3 yr. In 12 of these patients another cause of the complaints could be found. In 2 patients no definite diagnosis could be made and in 3 the previous diagnosis was considered to be corrected. Control electromyography (EMG) was pathological in 2 of them and 1 patient was symptom-free after the operation. In the 2nd part 133 hands with clinical symptoms of a carpal tunnel syndrome were examined clinically and electrophysiologically. In the group of patients with pathological electrophysiological findings there were significantly more objective signs than in those with normal EMG findings. In 13 patients which could be followed another diagnosis could be made. It was not possible to establish a clinical index for the carpal tunnel syndrome. For a definite diagnosis, positive clinical and electrophysiological findings are required.