Miedany YE et al. - Tinel's, Phalen's, Reverse Phalen's and carpal tunnel compression tests are more sensitive, as well as being specific tests for the diagnosis of tenosynovitis of the flexor muscles of the hand, rather than being specific tests for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods
Relationship between the clinical manifestations of CTS with the outcome of the diagnostic tools and its implication for clinical practice were examined
232 pts (69 male,163 female, ages=20-91 yrs) with CTS manifestations and 182 controls were included in this study
All participants completed a patient oriented questionnaire, clinical testing for CTS, blood check for secondary causes of CTS, nerve conduction testing, and ultrasonographic assessment
Results
76.3% had abnormal nerve conduction studies
Forearm symptoms and tenosynovitis were found in 51.3% of cases
No difference was found on comparing anthropometric measures in the affected hands to the control group hands
A higher prevalence of positive Phalen's and CT compression were found in pts suffering from tenosynovitis
Sensitivity of Tinel's, Phalen's, Reverse Phalen's and carpal tunnel compression tests was higher for the diagnosis of tenosynovitis vs CTS
Higher specificity of these tests was found with tenosynovitis than CTS
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