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Faszholz AM, Cheng J. Updates to the Physiologic Mechanism, Anatomical Sites, and Diagnostic Utility of the Scratch Collapse Test: A Systematic Review. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2024; 12:e5998. [PMID: 39036590 PMCID: PMC11259385 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Background The scratch collapse test (SCT) has gained popularity as a physical examination technique for diagnosing compression neuropathy. This systematic review aims to assess the reliability of the SCT as a diagnostic tool for compression neuropathy, as well as to propose the underlying physiological mechanisms involved. Specific criteria was developed to broaden the potential anatomical applications of the SCT. Methods A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Eleven articles meeting predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected for numerical analysis, which yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy values. Results In total, 890 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were reported in 10 studies. The mean (±SD) sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 0.442 ± 0.272, 0.788 ± 0.163, 0.834 ± 0.143, 0.433 ± 0.297, and 48.8% (range, 31%-82%), respectively. Of the studies that provided interrater reliability (κ), the mean was 0.544 ± 0.441, indicating moderate agreement. A total of 121 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were reported in three studies, with a mean (±SD) sensitivity and specificity of 0.635 ± 0.367 and 0.945 ± 0.06, respectively. Twenty-four patients with peroneal nerve compression, reported in one study, had sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 0.77, 0.99, 0.95, 0.92, and 93%, respectively. Conclusions Current literature indicates that the SCT can serve as a provocative test to assist in diagnosing compression neuropathy. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of reported values underscores the necessity for further investigation aimed at enhancing the objectivity of SCT, thus improving interrater reliability and minimizing potential bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Faszholz
- From the TCU Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, Fort Worth, Tex
| | - Jonathan Cheng
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
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Jacobs MLYE, Ten Have T, Schaap L, Scheltinga MRM, Roumen RMH. A positive scratch collapse test in anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome indicates its neuropathic character. Scand J Pain 2024; 24:sjpain-2024-0026. [PMID: 39215453 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2024-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic abdominal pain is occasionally caused by an abdominal wall entity such as anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES). This syndrome is thought to occur due to intercostal nerve branches (T7-12) that are entrapped in the rectus abdominis muscles. The diagnosis is largely based on subjective clues in patient history and physical examination. A test referred to as the scratch collapse test (SCT) is used as an additional diagnostic tool in peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes such as the carpal tunnel syndrome. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether an SCT was positive in patients with suspected ACNES. If so, this finding may support its hypothesized neuropathic character. METHODS A prospective, case-control study was performed among patients with ACNES (n = 20) and two control groups without ACNES (acute intra-abdominal pathology n = 20; healthy n = 20), all were consecutively included. ACNES was diagnosed based on previously published criteria. The SCT test was executed at the painful abdominal area in both patient groups and at a corresponding area in healthy controls. Predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Videos of tests were evaluated by blinded observers. RESULTS SCT was judged positive in 19 of 20 ACNES patients but not in any of the 40 controls. A 95% sensitivity (confidence interval [CI]: 75-99) and optimal specificity (100%; CI: 83-100) were calculated. CONCLUSIONS The positive SCT supports the hypothesis that ACNES is an entrapment neuropathy. A positive SCT should be considered a major diagnostic criterion for ACNES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Y E Jacobs
- Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Centre, De Run 4600, P.O. Box 7777, 5500 MB, Eindhoven/Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- SolviMáx, Centre of Excellence for Abdominal Wall and Groin Pain, Máxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Ten Have
- Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Centre, De Run 4600, P.O. Box 7777, 5500 MB, Eindhoven/Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- SolviMáx, Centre of Excellence for Abdominal Wall and Groin Pain, Máxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Schaap
- SolviMáx, Centre of Excellence for Abdominal Wall and Groin Pain, Máxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marc R M Scheltinga
- Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Centre, De Run 4600, P.O. Box 7777, 5500 MB, Eindhoven/Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- SolviMáx, Centre of Excellence for Abdominal Wall and Groin Pain, Máxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi M H Roumen
- Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Centre, De Run 4600, P.O. Box 7777, 5500 MB, Eindhoven/Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- SolviMáx, Centre of Excellence for Abdominal Wall and Groin Pain, Máxima Medical Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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McGurk K, Tracey JA, Daley DN, Daly CA. Diagnostic Considerations in Compressive Neuropathies. JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY GLOBAL ONLINE 2023; 5:525-535. [PMID: 37521550 PMCID: PMC10382896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve compression of the upper extremity is a common pathology often necessitating surgical intervention, much is known, but much more is left to understand. For the more common pathologies, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and ulnar tunnel syndrome, research and clinical efforts directed toward standardization and reduction of resource use have been attempted with varied success. Diagnosis of many of these syndromes is largely based on a proper history and physical examination. Electrodiagnostic studies continue to have value, but proportionally less than previous decades. In addition, emerging technologies, including magnetic resonance neurography, novel ultrasound evaluation techniques, and ultrasound-guided diagnostic injections, are beginning to demonstrate their ability to add value to the diagnostic algorithm, particularly when less common compressive neuropathies are present and/or the diagnosis is in question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McGurk
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC
| | - Joseph Anthony Tracey
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC
| | - Dane N. Daley
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC
| | - Charles Andrew Daly
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC
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John A, Rossettie S, Rafael J, Cox CT, Ducic I, Mackay BJ. Patient-Reported Outcomes and Provocative Testing in Peripheral Nerve Injury and Recovery. J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj 2023; 18:e10-e20. [PMID: 37089516 PMCID: PMC10121318 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Peripheral nerve function is often difficult to assess given the highly variable presentation and subjective patient experience of nerve injury. If nerve assessment is incomplete or inaccurate, inappropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment may result in permanent dysfunction. Objective As our understanding of nerve repair and generation evolves, so have tools for evaluating peripheral nerve function, recovery, and nerve-related impact on the quality of life. Provocative testing is often used in the clinic to identify peripheral nerve dysfunction. Patient-reported outcome forms provide insights regarding the effect of nerve dysfunction on daily activities and quality of life. Methods We performed a review of the literature using a comprehensive combination of keywords and search algorithms to determine the clinical utility of different provocative tests and patient-reported outcomes measures in a variety of contexts, both pre- and postoperatively. Results This review may serve as a valuable resource for surgeons determining the appropriate provocative testing tools and patient-reported outcomes forms to monitor nerve function both pre- and postoperatively. Conclusion As treatments for peripheral nerve injury and dysfunction continue to improve, identifying the most appropriate measures of success may ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albin John
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
- Address for correspondence Albin John, MBA Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 9436, Lubbock 79430TX
| | | | - John Rafael
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Cameron T. Cox
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Ivica Ducic
- Washington Nerve Institute, McLean, Virginia
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Diagnostic capability of the scratch collapse test compared with other clinical diagnostic tests for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective case-control study. CURRENT ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/bco.0000000000001193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The scratch collapse test is a provocative test that has been successfully used for peripheral neuropathies. The elbow is the main testing site, but there may be times when use of the upper extremities is contraindicated. This study sought to determine the sensitivity of using the scratch collapse test on the lower extremity for upper extremity neuropathies. METHODS One hundred patients with an electromyographically confirmed diagnosis of carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome were prospectively enrolled. As a control, the scratch collapse test was conducted normally using the elbow as a testing site. After a baseline was established, the test was repeated using eversion of the foot and ankle against an inversion force. RESULTS Of the 100 study patients, 89 had a positive scratch collapse test on the upper extremity and 84 had a positive test on the lower extremity. In the 51 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, 45 had a positive test on the upper extremity (sensitivity, 88.2 percent; 95 percent CI, 76.13 to 95.56 percent), and 42 had a positive test of the lower extremity (sensitivity, 82.35 percent; 95 percent CI, 69.13 to 91.60 percent). In the 49 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome, 44 had a positive test on the upper extremity (sensitivity, 89.8 percent; 95 percent CI, 77.77 to 96.6 percent), and 42 had a positive test on the lower extremity (sensitivity, 85.7 percent; 95 percent CI, 72.76 to 94.06 percent). CONCLUSION There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivities of the scratch collapse test on the upper or lower extremities, suggesting that the lower extremity could serve as an alternative site for the scratch collapse test. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic, II.
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Areson DG, Filer WG, Harris MG, Howard JF, Shuping LT, Traub R. Accuracy of the Scratch Collapse Test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Comparison With Electrodiagnostic Studies. Hand (N Y) 2022; 17:630-634. [PMID: 32698624 PMCID: PMC9274899 DOI: 10.1177/1558944719895786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: The scratch collapse test (SCT) is a clinical examination maneuver that has been previously reported as a reliable and reproducible test to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The initial study by Cheng et al in 2008 showed a simple test with high sensitivity. However, subsequent attempts to reproduce those findings have resulted in lower accuracy. Our goal was to evaluate the use of the SCT for patients presenting with symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness in an upper extremity. Methods: Forty patients were referred to the electrodiagnostic (EDX) lab for evaluation of an upper extremity. One blinded examiner who was familiar with the maneuver performed the SCT on all 40 patients. Another physician or technician performed the nerve conduction study and electromyography. Patient history and accompanying physical examination findings were not revealed to the SCT examiner. Results: The relationship between the SCT performed by a blinded examiner and the EDX performed by blinded examiners was nonsignificant (P = .676) and showed a sensitivity of 0.48, specificity of 0.59, positive predictive value of 0.61, and negative predictive value of 0.45. Conclusion: Based on this study and previous findings by other authors, we would advise against the use of the SCT in CTS for important patient-care decisions, such as surgical decision-making, until future research is done. It is possible that the SCT, in combination with other physical examination maneuvers, could increase diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Areson
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA,Daniel G. Areson, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Rebecca Traub
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
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Page PS, Hanna AS. Letter: Paraspinal Scratch Collapse Test for Cervical Radiculopathy. Neurosurgery 2022; 90:e189. [PMID: 35377863 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000001971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Page
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Griffiths TT, Flather R, Teh I, Haroon HA, Shelley D, Plein S, Bourke G, Wade RG. Diffusion tensor imaging in cubital tunnel syndrome. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14982. [PMID: 34294771 PMCID: PMC8298404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94211-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the 2nd most common compressive neuropathy. To improve both diagnosis and the selection of patients for surgery, there is a pressing need to develop a reliable and objective test of ulnar nerve 'health'. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) characterises tissue microstructure and may identify differences in the normal ulnar from those affected by CuTS. The aim of this study was to compare the DTI metrics from the ulnar nerves of healthy (asymptomatic) adults and patients with CuTS awaiting surgery. DTI was acquired at 3.0 T using single-shot echo-planar imaging (55 axial slices, 3 mm thick, 1.5 mm2 in-plane) with 30 diffusion sensitising gradient directions, a b-value of 800 s/mm2 and 4 signal averages. The sequence was repeated with the phase-encoding direction reversed. Data were combined and corrected using the FMRIB Software Library (FSL) and reconstructed using generalized q-sampling imaging in DSI Studio. Throughout the length of the ulnar nerve, the fractional anisotropy (FA), quantitative anisotropy (QA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) were extracted, then compared using mixed-effects linear regression. Thirteen healthy controls (8 males, 5 females) and 8 patients with CuTS (6 males, 2 females) completed the study. Throughout the length of the ulnar nerve, diffusion was more isotropic in patients with CuTS. Overall, patients with CuTS had a 6% lower FA than controls, with the largest difference observed proximal to the cubital tunnel (mean difference 0.087 [95% CI 0.035, 0.141]). Patients with CuTS also had a higher RD than controls, with the largest disparity observed within the forearm (mean difference 0.252 × 10-4 mm2/s [95% CI 0.085 × 10-4, 0.419 × 10-4]). There were no significant differences between patients and controls in QA, MD or AD. Throughout the length of the ulnar nerve, the fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity in patients with CuTS are different to healthy controls. These findings suggest that DTI may provide an objective assessment of the ulnar nerve and potentially, improve the management of CuTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy T Griffiths
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert Flather
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Irvin Teh
- Leeds Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Hamied A Haroon
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Shelley
- The Advanced Imaging Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Sven Plein
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Grainne Bourke
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Ryckie G Wade
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK.
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Soubeyrand M, Melhem R, Protais M, Artuso M, Crézé M. Anatomy of the median nerve and its clinical applications. HAND SURGERY & REHABILITATION 2020; 39:2-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2019.10.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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