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Prakash A, Vinutha H, Janardhan DC, Mouna RM, Sushmitha PS, Sajjan S, Samanvitha H. Diagnostic efficacy of high-frequency Grey-scale ultrasonography and Sono-elastography in grading the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome in comparison to nerve conduction studies. Skeletal Radiol 2024; 53:2399-2408. [PMID: 38526811 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-024-04662-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To correlate the cross-sectional area (CSA) and elasticity of the median nerve (MN) measured at carpal tunnel inlet between healthy controls and various degrees of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) graded as per nerve conduction studies (NCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 53 patients (with 81 wrists) presenting with clinical symptoms characteristic of CTS, having their diagnosis confirmed and severity graded by NCS, and 48 healthy controls (with 96 wrists) were included in the study. All the study participants underwent wrist ultrasound which included initial Grey-scale USG followed by strain and shear wave elastography. The CSA and elasticity (in terms of strain ratio and shear modulus) of MN were measured at the carpal tunnel inlet. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test to compare between the two groups and for subgroup analysis of cases. The diagnostic performance of each variable was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS The mean CSA was 9.20 ± 1.64, 11.48 ± 1.05, 14.83 ± 1.19 and 19.87 ± 2.68 mm2, the mean shear modulus was 17.93 ± 2.81, 23.59 ± 2.63, 32.99 ± 4.14 and 54.26 ± 9.24 kPa and the mean strain ratio was 5.26 ± 0.68, 5.56 ± 0.70, 7.03 ± 0.47 and 8.81 ± 0.94 in control, mild, moderate and severe grades of CTS, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The combined utility of Grey-scale USG and Elastography may serve as a painless and cost-effective alternative to NCS in grading the severity of CTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Prakash
- Department of Radiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - H Vinutha
- Department of Radiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - D C Janardhan
- Department of Neurology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - R Mohit Mouna
- Department of Radiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - P S Sushmitha
- Department of Radiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Shantkumar Sajjan
- Department of Radiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - H Samanvitha
- Department of Radiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Jerban S, Barrère V, Andre M, Chang EY, Shah SB. Quantitative Ultrasound Techniques Used for Peripheral Nerve Assessment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:956. [PMID: 36900101 PMCID: PMC10000911 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This review article describes quantitative ultrasound (QUS) techniques and summarizes their strengths and limitations when applied to peripheral nerves. METHODS A systematic review was conducted on publications after 1990 in Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases. The search terms "peripheral nerve", "quantitative ultrasound", and "elastography ultrasound" were used to identify studies related to this investigation. RESULTS Based on this literature review, QUS investigations performed on peripheral nerves can be categorized into three main groups: (1) B-mode echogenicity measurements, which are affected by a variety of post-processing algorithms applied during image formation and in subsequent B-mode images; (2) ultrasound (US) elastography, which examines tissue stiffness or elasticity through modalities such as strain ultrasonography or shear wave elastography (SWE). With strain ultrasonography, induced tissue strain, caused by internal or external compression stimuli that distort the tissue, is measured by tracking detectable speckles in the B-mode images. In SWE, the propagation speed of shear waves, generated by externally applied mechanical vibrations or internal US "push pulse" stimuli, is measured to estimate tissue elasticity; (3) the characterization of raw backscattered ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) signals, which provide fundamental ultrasonic tissue parameters, such as the acoustic attenuation and backscattered coefficients, that reflect tissue composition and microstructural properties. CONCLUSIONS QUS techniques allow the objective evaluation of peripheral nerves and reduce operator- or system-associated biases that can influence qualitative B-mode imaging. The application of QUS techniques to peripheral nerves, including their strengths and limitations, were described and discussed in this review to enhance clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Victor Barrère
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael Andre
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Eric Y. Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Sameer B. Shah
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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Afshar A, Tabrizi A. Interfascicular Gliding Dysfunction Relation with Focal Neuropathy in Diabetic Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Hand Microsurg 2022; 14:3-9. [PMID: 35256822 PMCID: PMC8898155 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a common neuropathy of the upper limb, is highly prevalent in diabetic patients. Recent findings indicate that changes in median nerve elasticity and its gliding characteristics may contribute to the development of CTS. Normally, each nerve should be able to adapt to the positional changes by passive movement relative to the surrounding tissues. This ability is provided by a gliding apparatus around the nerve trunk in the surrounding soft tissue. The fascicles of nerve trunks can also glide against each other (interfascicular gliding). Sonoelastography indicates that nerve elasticity is decreased in patients with CTS compared to healthy patients. Moreover, decreased nerve elasticity in diabetes mellitus type II is associated with increased neuropathy, especially in peripheral nerves. Biomechanical factors, oxidative stress, and microvascular defects are also observed in diabetic neuropathy and account for different complications. A reduction in the elasticity of peripheral nerves may be related to decreased interfascicular gliding because of the biomechanical changes that occur in neuropathy. Surgical treatments, including nerve release and reduction of carpal tunnel pressure, improve peripheral gliding but do not resolve disease symptoms completely. According to the evidence, interfascicular gliding dysfunction is the most important factor in the pathogenesis of CTS in diabetic patients. Available evidence suggests that biomechanical variations affect interfascicular gliding more than peripheral gliding in diabetic patients. Decreased nerve elasticity is strongly correlated with decreased interfascicular gliding. It is further hypothesized that the concurrent use of antioxidants and pharmacological treatment (neuroprotection) such as alpha lipoic acid with carpal tunnel release in diabetic patients may alleviate the interfascicular gliding dysfunction and improve median neve elasticity. Decreased nerve elasticity and interfascicular gliding dysfunction play significant roles in the pathogenesis of CTS in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadreza Afshar
- Department of Orthopedics, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Tabrizi
- Department of Orthopedics, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Park EJ, Hahn S, Yi J, Shin KJ, Lee Y, Lee HJ. Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of Strain Elastography and Shear Wave Elastography for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2021; 40:1011-1021. [PMID: 32852107 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the diagnostic performance between strain elastography and shear wave elastography (SWE) for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS Between July 2018 and June 2019, 66 consecutive patients with 95 imaged wrists underwent wrist ultrasound, including grayscale ultrasound, strain elastography, and SWE, because of the suspicion of CTS. During wrist ultrasound, the cross-sectional area (CSA), strain ratio, elasticity, and shear wave velocity of each median nerve were measured at the proximal carpal bone level (scaphoid to pisiform). The variables were compared between the normal and CTS groups by using the independent t test, and subgroup analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of each variable. RESULTS CSA, elasticity, and shear wave velocity showed significant intergroup differences (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.002, respectively). However, the strain ratio showed no statistically significant intergroup difference (P = 0.639). In the subgroup analyses, elasticity showed significantly higher values in the severe group than in the mild and moderate groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Other parameters showed no significant differences among the different subgroups. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.823 for CSA, 0.772 for elasticity, and 0.779 for shear wave velocity. The differences in the areas under the ROC curve among CSA, elasticity, and shear wave velocity were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS SWE has a good diagnostic value in CTS. In particular, elasticity can discriminate the severe group from the other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Joo Park
- Department of Radiology, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, 875 Haeundae-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hahn
- Department of Radiology, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, 875 Haeundae-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisook Yi
- Department of Radiology, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, 875 Haeundae-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Jin Shin
- Department of Neurology, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, 875 Haeundae-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Yedaun Lee
- Department of Radiology, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, 875 Haeundae-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Joon Lee
- Department of Radiology, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, 875 Haeundae-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
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Lee CH, Lin YT, Wu CT, Lin CH, Chen SH, Hsu CC. Sonoelastography in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Values Compared With the Normative Population. Ann Plast Surg 2021; 86:S299-S311. [PMID: 33443882 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000002686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sonoelastography (SEL) is widely used for assessing tissue stiffness and pathophysiology. It has also been used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, the current criteria to diagnose CTS in SEL are diverse. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and assess the diagnostic value of SEL for CTS. METHODS A literature review was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library for primary research articles using the keywords sonoelastography and carpal tunnel syndrome. Data related to diagnostic and cutoff value were extracted. Bias assessment was performed. RESULTS A total of 121 publications were reviewed. Nineteen primary case series met the inclusion criteria and were selected for full analysis. Different diagnostic approaches were identified, with units/expressions including kilopascals, conduct velocity, and strain ratio. The kilopascals and conduct velocity were measured using shear wave elastography, whereas strain ratio was calculated by relative compression quantification. A mean shear modulus cutoff value from 38.25 to 86 kPa and an acoustic radiation force impulse cutoff value of 3.0 to 3.23 m/s were used to diagnose CTS. Eight articles reported strain ratio between the median nerve and nearby tissues with diverse results due to different reference points. The other 3 additional diagnostic values were reported. CONCLUSIONS Sonoelastography is a useful noninvasive and promising modality to diagnose CTS. It may reflect both the condition of soft tissue scarring and quantitative values for CTS and median nerve stiffness. A diversity of examination values was found in different modalities. A high level of evidence was absent.
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Determination of the Relationships Between intra- and Extraoral Tongue Hardness, Thickness, and Pressure Using Ultrasonic Elastography. Dysphagia 2020; 36:623-634. [PMID: 32875351 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-020-10176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Involved with various bodily functions, including ingestion and swallowing, the tongue is an important organ. We measured resting tongue hardness using real-time tissue elastography (RTE) to establish a simple tongue evaluation for patients who may have limited capacities to follow commands. Relationships between tongue hardness, thickness, and pressure were investigated, using both intra- and extraoral probes. Assessments were performed for a total of 27 healthy adults (11 male, 16 female, average age 26.4 ± 1.8 years). Measurements of tongue hardness and thickness were made using strain ratios (SR), and averaged across nine images. Maximum tongue pressure was determined using a tongue pressure device. A negative correlation was observed between intraorally measured tongue hardness and maximum tongue pressure (r = -0.76, p < 0.01). A positive correlation between extraorally measured tongue thickness and maximum tongue pressure was observed (r = 0.59, p < 0.01). Additionally, significant differences were observed between males and females with regards to intraorally measured tongue hardness (p = 0.02), maximum tongue pressure (p = 0.02), and extraorally measured tongue thickness (p < 0.01). The results of this study demonstrated the clinical applicability of RTE-based tongue hardness measurements, and suggest the feasibility of predicting tongue strength based on extraoral tongue thickness measurements.
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Recent Advances in Ultrasound Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10080596. [PMID: 32824261 PMCID: PMC7460039 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10080596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With the widespread use of high-resolution ultrasonography, ultrasonic examination has been shown to be useful as a diagnostic method for carpal tunnel syndrome. The main advantages of ultrasonography are that it is simple, quick, non-invasive, and economical. Another advantage is that tissue dynamics can be observed with real-time imaging. In recent reports, it has been shown that ultrasonic examination can provide similar diagnostic accuracy as nerve conduction study in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. It has been expected that ultrasound demand in daily medical care will continue to increase. Ultrasonography in carpal tunnel syndrome shows an enlarged median nerve in proximal carpal tunnel, thickening of the flexor retinaculum, and edema around flexor tendons in cross-sectional images. In addition, with the introduction of new technologies such as ultrasonic elastography and speckle tracking, it has become possible to quantify dynamics and material property changes of nerves, tendons, and their surrounding structures. In this review, we describe recent advancements of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis based on ultrasound dynamic images, and discuss its pathology.
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Abstract
With the widespread use of high-resolution ultrasonography, ultrasonic examination has been shown to be useful as a diagnostic method for carpal tunnel syndrome. The main advantages of ultrasonography are that it is simple, quick, non-invasive, and economical. Another advantage is that tissue dynamics can be observed with real-time imaging. In recent reports, it has been shown that ultrasonic examination can provide similar diagnostic accuracy as nerve conduction study in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. It has been expected that ultrasound demand in daily medical care will continue to increase. Ultrasonography in carpal tunnel syndrome shows an enlarged median nerve in proximal carpal tunnel, thickening of the flexor retinaculum, and edema around flexor tendons in cross-sectional images. In addition, with the introduction of new technologies such as ultrasonic elastography and speckle tracking, it has become possible to quantify dynamics and material property changes of nerves, tendons, and their surrounding structures. In this review, we describe recent advancements of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis based on ultrasound dynamic images, and discuss its pathology.
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Recent Advances in Ultrasound Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:596. [PMID: 32824261 PMCID: PMC7460039 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10080596+10.1055/s-0032-1325397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
With the widespread use of high-resolution ultrasonography, ultrasonic examination has been shown to be useful as a diagnostic method for carpal tunnel syndrome. The main advantages of ultrasonography are that it is simple, quick, non-invasive, and economical. Another advantage is that tissue dynamics can be observed with real-time imaging. In recent reports, it has been shown that ultrasonic examination can provide similar diagnostic accuracy as nerve conduction study in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. It has been expected that ultrasound demand in daily medical care will continue to increase. Ultrasonography in carpal tunnel syndrome shows an enlarged median nerve in proximal carpal tunnel, thickening of the flexor retinaculum, and edema around flexor tendons in cross-sectional images. In addition, with the introduction of new technologies such as ultrasonic elastography and speckle tracking, it has become possible to quantify dynamics and material property changes of nerves, tendons, and their surrounding structures. In this review, we describe recent advancements of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis based on ultrasound dynamic images, and discuss its pathology.
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Ardakani AA, Afshar A, Bhatt S, Bureau NJ, Tahmasebi A, Acharya UR, Mohammadi A. Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: A comparative study of shear wave elastography, morphometry and artificial intelligence techniques. Pattern Recognit Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.patrec.2020.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Schrier VJMM, Lin J, Gregory A, Thoreson AR, Alizad A, Amadio PC, Fatemi M. Shear wave elastography of the median nerve: A mechanical study. Muscle Nerve 2020; 61:826-833. [PMID: 32170959 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shear wave elastography (SWE) shows promise in peripheral neuropathy evaluation but has potential limitations due to tissue size and heterogeneity. We tested SWE sensitivity to elasticity change and the effect of probe position in a median nerve cadaver model. METHODS Ten specimens were used to measure median nerve elasticity under increasing loads using SWE and indentation. Measurements were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Indentation and SWE-based longitudinal nerve elasticity increased with tensile loading (P < .01), showing a similar relationship. Acquisition in a transverse plane showed lower values compared with longitudinal measurements, mostly under higher loads (P = .03), as did postdissection elasticity (P = .02). Elasticity did not change when measured proximal to the carpal tunnel. CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal SWE is sensitive to changes in median nerve elasticity. Measuring elasticity of peripheral nerves noninvasively could elucidate intra-neural pathology related to compression neuropathies, and proof to be of added value as a diagnostic or prognostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena J M M Schrier
- Biomechanics Laboratory and Tendon and Soft Tissue Biology Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jason Lin
- Biomechanics Laboratory and Tendon and Soft Tissue Biology Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Adriana Gregory
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Andrew R Thoreson
- Biomechanics Laboratory and Tendon and Soft Tissue Biology Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Azra Alizad
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Peter C Amadio
- Biomechanics Laboratory and Tendon and Soft Tissue Biology Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mostafa Fatemi
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota
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Yoshii Y, Tung WL, Yuine H, Ishii T. Postoperative diagnostic potentials of median nerve strain and applied pressure measurement after carpal tunnel release. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:22. [PMID: 31926552 PMCID: PMC6955092 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-019-3033-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bakground The objective of this study is to investigate the prognostic values of median nerve strain and applied pressure measurement for the assessment of clinical recovery after carpal tunnel release. Methods Forty-five wrists, from 45 idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients who treated with open carpal tunnel release, were evaluated by ultrasound. Median nerve strain, pressure applied to the skin, and ratio of pressure-strain were measured at the proximal part of the carpal tunnel. In addition, distal latencies in the motor and sensory nerve conductions studies and cross-sectional area of median nerve were measured. The parameters were compared before and after the open carpal tunnel release. According to patient recovery, the receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to evaluate the prognostic values of the parameters. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were compared among parameters. Results There was a significant increase in the median nerve strain, and significant decreases in the pressure applied to the skin and ratio of pressure-strain after carpal tunnel release (P < 0.01). There were significant decreases in the distal latencies and the cross-sectional area after carpal tunnel release (P < 0.01). The areas under the curves were 0.689, 0.773, 0.811, 0.668, 0.637, and 0.562 for the pressure, strain, pressure-strain ratio, motor latency, sensory latency, and area, respectively. Conclusions The results suggest that elasticity of the median nerve and pressure around the nerve recover quickly after carpal tunnel release. Pressure-strain ratio was the most reliable parameter to reflect clinical recovery. The measurement of strain and applied pressure can be useful indicators to evaluate effectiveness of the carpal tunnel release. Trial registration Registered as NCT04027998 at ClinicalTrials.gov. Retrospectively registered on July 22, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Yoshii
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, 3-20-1 Chuo, Ami, Tokyo, 300-0395, Japan.
| | - Wen-Lin Tung
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ami, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yuine
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, 300-0395, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ishii
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, 3-20-1 Chuo, Ami, Tokyo, 300-0395, Japan
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Lin CP, Chen IJ, Chang KV, Wu WT, Özçakar L. Utility of Ultrasound Elastography in Evaluation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2019; 45:2855-2865. [PMID: 31402226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.07.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We systematically reviewed observational studies investigating ultrasound elastography for median nerves in the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) population. PubMed and Embase were studied from the earliest record to April 2019. The primary outcome was the comparison of elasticity of the median nerve between participants with and without CTS, quantified by the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval. The median nerve is considered to be stiffer in the CTS population when the SMD of tissue strain is negative, or that of strain ratio, shear modulus and shear wave velocity are positive. The present meta-analysis included 17 studies, evaluating 1401 wrists. Our result showed that regardless of the ultrasound elastography mode (tissue strain, strain ratio, shear modulus and shear wave velocity) used, median nerves at the wrist level in patients with CTS were consistently stiffer than those in healthy controls. Importantly, ultrasound elastography revealed its potential in differentiating CTS of different severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Peng Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Jeng Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Vin Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Ting Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Levent Özçakar
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
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Wee TC, Simon NG. Ultrasound elastography for the evaluation of peripheral nerves: A systematic review. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:501-512. [PMID: 31269240 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve disorders are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Electrodiagnostic studies remain the cornerstone of the evaluation of nerve disorders. More recently, ultrasound has played an increasing complementary role in the neuromuscular clinic. Ultrasound elastography is a technique that measures the elastic properties of tissues. Given the histological changes that occur in diseased peripheral nerves, nerve ultrasound elastography has been explored as a noninvasive way to evaluate changes in nerve tissue composition. Studies to date suggest that nerve stiffness tends to increase in the setting of peripheral neuropathy, regardless of etiology, consistent with loss of more compliant myelin, and replacement with connective tissue. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current literature on the use of ultrasound elastography in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy. Limitations of ultrasound elastography and gaps in current literature are discussed, and prospects for future clinical and research applications are raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze Chao Wee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Neil G Simon
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
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Bortolotto C, Turpini E, Felisaz P, Fresilli D, Fiorina I, Raciti MV, Belloni E, Bottinelli O, Cantisani V, Calliada F. Median nerve evaluation by shear wave elastosonography: impact of "bone-proximity" hardening artifacts and inter-observer agreement. J Ultrasound 2017; 20:293-299. [PMID: 29204233 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-017-0267-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Peripheral nerves frequently travel close to the bone surface and are, therefore, prone to elastosonographic "bone-proximity" hardening artifacts. The impact of these artifacts on quantitative measurements of median nerve stiffness performed by shear wave elastosonography has not been explored. Our aim was to assess normal median nerve stiffness values at various locations. Materials and methods Thirty-six healthy volunteers (24 women and 12 men) aged between 25 and 40 years were evaluated. Two operators performed the evaluation: one expert (6 years of ultrasound experience) and one inexperienced operator (6 months' experience). The nerve was sampled in cross-section at three different locations: mid-forearm, immediately before the carpal tunnel and within the tunnel. The ultrasound scanner was equipped with a 14-MHz linear probe. The Shear Wave module was activated in one-shot mode. Measurements were performed using a ROI corresponding to the diameter of the nerve. Results The mean values of stiffness of the medial nerve were 32.26 kPa ± 18.60 within the carpal tunnel, 22.20 kPa ± 9.84 at the carpal tunnel inlet and 7.62 kPa ± 7.38 in the forearm. Inter-observer agreement assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was "moderate" within the carpal tunnel (ICC = 0.44), "moderate" at the carpal tunnel inlet (ICC = 0.41) and "fair" in the forearm (ICC = 0.38). Conclusions The stiffness of the median nerve progressively increases in its distal portions, where the nerve approaches the bone surface. Inter-observer agreement was generally good (from fair to moderate).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Bortolotto
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Turpini
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Felisaz
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Fresilli
- Department of Radiology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fiorina
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Elena Belloni
- Department of Radiology, Civil Hospital, Castel San Giovanni, Italy
| | - Olivia Bottinelli
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Vito Cantisani
- Department of Radiology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Calliada
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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A Pilot Study of Strain Elastography in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Clin Neurophysiol 2017; 34:114-118. [PMID: 27560304 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Strain elastography that uses the body's cardiorespiratory pulsations to determine tissue stiffness (referred to here as "ambient strain elastography") has not been previously described for the assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The objective of this study is to assess the reliability of ultrasonographic ambient strain elastography in the evaluation of CTS and compare median nerve stiffness between patients and healthy controls. METHODS Ambient strain elastography was used to examine the wrists of 17 patients and 26 controls in cross-sectional and longitudinal views, twice by two observers. The strain ratio between the median nerve and nearby tendons was obtained and tested for intrarater and interrater reliability and differences between patients and healthy controls. RESULTS Intrarater and interrater reliabilities were strong, even for the less experienced rater (lowest r = 0.566, highest r = 0.905; P < 0.001 for all comparisons). No significant difference in strain ratio between those with CTS and controls was detected (cross-sectional image P = 0.32; longitudinal image P = 0.20). Strain ratio did not correlate significantly with traditional ultrasound measures of CTS (lowest P = 0.26) but did correlate significantly with body mass index if obtained from cross-sectional images (r = 0.346; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS This strain elastography method is reliable but does not show changes in median nerve stiffness with CTS. Body mass index may influence elastography and further studies should be conducted to clarify this relationship.
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Yoshii Y, Tung WL, Ishii T. Strain and Morphological Changes of Median Nerve After Carpal Tunnel Release. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2017; 36:1153-1159. [PMID: 28240782 DOI: 10.7863/ultra.16.06070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Characterization of the changes of ultrasound parameters after carpal tunnel release may be useful for clarifying the effectiveness or the recovery process of the carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. We evaluated strain and morphological changes of the median nerve before and after carpal tunnel release in carpal tunnel syndrome patients. METHODS Twenty-two wrists of 20 idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release were evaluated by ultrasound. Cross-sectional images of the median nerve were obtained at the proximal carpal tunnel. The cross-sectional area, perimeter, aspect ratio of the minimum enclosing rectangle, and strain of the median nerve were measured and compared before and after carpal tunnel release. According to the patient's recovery, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were compared among the parameters. RESULTS After carpal tunnel release, the area and perimeter significantly decreased, and the strain significantly increased compared with before carpal tunnel release. There were no significant changes in the aspect ratio after carpal tunnel release. The AUCs were 0.663, 0.643, 0.543, and 0.731 for the area, perimeter, aspect ratio, and strain, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Significant decreases in median nerve area and perimeter as well as significant increases in median nerve strain were observed after carpal tunnel release. The results of this study may be useful when considering how the median nerve recovers after carpal tunnel release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Yoshii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, Japan
| | - Wen-Lin Tung
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ami, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ishii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, Japan
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Yoshii Y, Tung WL, Ishii T. Measurement of Median Nerve Strain and Applied Pressure for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:1205-1209. [PMID: 28395966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of strain and applied-pressure measurements of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Thirty-five wrists of 23 idiopathic CTS patients and 30 wrists of 15 normal patients were examined. Median nerve strain, pressure to the skin and the pressure/strain ratio were measured at the proximal carpal tunnel level. Parameters were compared between CTS patients and controls. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were compared for the parameters. Median nerve strain was significantly lower in the patients than in the controls (p < 0.01). Pressure and pressure/strain ratio were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls (p < 0.05: pressure, p < 0.01: ratio). The AUCs were 0.926, 0.681 and 0.937 for strain, pressure and pressure/strain ratio, respectively. Pressure/strain ratio is useful for evaluating the condition of the median nerve with respect to the hardness of the surrounding structures in CTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Yoshii
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, Japan.
| | - Wen-Lin Tung
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ami, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ishii
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, Japan
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Inami T, Tsujimura T, Shimizu T, Watanabe T, Lau WY, Nosaka K. Relationship between isometric contraction intensity and muscle hardness assessed by ultrasound strain elastography. Eur J Appl Physiol 2017; 117:843-852. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-016-3528-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Bao H, Wu C, Wang S, Wang G, Zhang X, Zhang X, Wu L. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance neurography for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: a pilot study. Clin Radiol 2016; 72:165-169. [PMID: 27771047 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the applicability of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance neurography (DW-MRN) in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 47 patients with CTS (69 wrists) and 19 normal participants (38 wrists) was included in this study. Cross-sectional area (CSA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the median nerves in the carpal tunnel were determined using DW-MRN. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. RESULTS No significant differences in age or body mass index (BMI) were observed between the control and CTS groups. DW-MRN imaging showed obvious hyperintensity in the lesions in CTS wrists, while other nerve regions were related to slight hyperintensity. Interobserver variability analysis indicated excellent agreement regarding both the CSA and ADC measurements for the control and CTS groups. Both the mean CSA and ADC values of the median nerves in carpal tunnel in the CTS group were significantly higher than the control group. According to the ROC analysis, the CSA cut-off value was 11.7 mm2, and sensitivity and specificity were 66.7% and 89.5%, respectively. Conversely, the median nerve ADC cut-off value was 1.047×10-3 mm2/s. The sensitivity and specificity were 91.3% and 76.3.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION DW-MRN represents a highly reproducible diagnostic technique for CTS. The ADC value of median nerves in the carpal tunnel is significantly higher in CTS patients, which provides a potential powerful tool for the disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bao
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Rd, Jinan 250021, Shandong, PR China
| | - C Wu
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Rd, Jinan 250021, Shandong, PR China
| | - S Wang
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Rd, Jinan 250021, Shandong, PR China
| | - G Wang
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Rd, Jinan 250021, Shandong, PR China.
| | - X Zhang
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Rd, Jinan 250021, Shandong, PR China
| | - X Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Chest Hospital, Jinan 250021, Shandong, PR China
| | - L Wu
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Rd, Jinan 250021, Shandong, PR China
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Miyamoto H, Morizaki Y, Kashiyama T, Tanaka S. Grey-scale sonography and sonoelastography for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. World J Radiol 2016; 8:281-287. [PMID: 27027498 PMCID: PMC4807337 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v8.i3.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve at wrist level, and is thought to be caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. There is no standard quantitative reference for the diagnosis of CTS. Grey-scale sonography and sonoelastography (SEL) have been used as diagnostic tools. The most commonly agreed findings in grey-scale sonography for the diagnosis of CTS is enlargement of the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA). Several authors have assessed additional parameters. “Delta CSA” is the difference between the proximal median nerve CSA at the pronator quadratus and the maximal CSA within the carpal tunnel. The “CSA ratio” is the ratio of CSA in the carpal tunnel to the CSA at the mid forearm. These additional parameters showed better diagnostic accuracy than CSA measurement alone. Recently, a number of studies have investigated the elasticity of the median nerve using SEL, and have shown that this also has diagnostic value, as it was significantly stiffer in CTS patients compared to healthy volunteers. In this review, we summarize the usefulness of grey-scale sonography and SEL in diagnosing CTS.
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Inami T, Kawakami Y. Assessment of individual muscle hardness and stiffness using ultrasound elastography. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.7600/jpfsm.5.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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