The carpal-compression test. An instrumented device for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract

A study was performed to analyze the efficacy of an instrumented carpal-compression device in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. This device provides a direct measurement of the amount of applied pressure necessary to elicit symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. A positive test is indicated by the reproduction of numbness, tingling, or dysesthesia in the distribution of the median nerve within 30 seconds. The study group consisted of 30 patients in whom 48 hands had clinical symptoms and positive electrodiagnostic findings of carpal tunnel syndrome; 50 hands of 25 asymptomatic individuals were studied as controls. This study found that the instrumented carpal-compression test had an 89% sensitivity and a 96% specificity in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. The instrumented device described in this study is lightweight and simple to use, and provides a rapid and inexpensive method of screening for carpal tunnel syndrome.