Assessment of Ultrasound Findings, Nerve Test Results, and Hand Function in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

NCT07752797 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: PMR-KTS-2026-01
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 109
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions caused by compression of a nerve at the wrist. It can lead to numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and difficulty performing daily activities. Although nerve conduction studies are widely used to confirm the diagnosis and assess disease severity, ultrasonography has become an increasingly important, non-invasive diagnostic tool. However, the relationship between ultrasound findings, nerve conduction study results, hand function, and symptom severity has not been fully clarified. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the clinical severity of carpal tunnel syndrome and ultrasonographic, electrophysiological, and functional parameters. Participants with carpal tunnel syndrome will undergo ultrasonographic measurement of the median nerve, nerve conduction studies, hand grip strength assessment, pressure pain threshold measurement, and completion of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The investigators hypothesize that greater clinical severity will be associated with larger median nerve cross-sectional area, more severe electrophysiological abnormalities, reduced hand grip strength, lower pressure pain threshold, and poorer functional status. The findings of this study may improve the understanding of the relationship between structural, electrophysiological, and functional changes in carpal tunnel syndrome and contribute to clinical evaluation and patient management.

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Keywords

Median Nerve; Ultrasonography; Hand Grip Strength

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area Measured by Ultrasonography (mm²)

  The median nerve cross-sectional area will be measured by high-resolution ultrasonography at the carpal tunnel inlet (pisiform level). The mean of three measurements will be recorded in square millimeters (mm²).

  Baseline (prior to study assessments, during the single study visit)

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Score

  Baseline (prior to study assessments, during the single study visit)

• Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Score

  Baseline (prior to study assessments, during the single study visit)

• Hand Grip Strength Measured Using a Jamar Dynamometer (kg)

  Baseline (prior to study assessments, during the single study visit)

• Pressure Pain Threshold Measured Using a Digital Algometer (kPa)

  Baseline (prior to study assessments, during the single study visit)

Study Arms (3)

Mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnostic Test: Ultrasonographic and Clinical Assessment

Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnostic Test: Ultrasonographic and Clinical Assessment

Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnostic Test: Ultrasonographic and Clinical Assessment

Interventions

Ultrasonographic and Clinical Assessment DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Participants will undergo a standardized diagnostic assessment including ultrasonographic measurement of the median nerve cross-sectional area at the carpal tunnel inlet, nerve conduction study evaluation, hand grip strength measurement using a Jamar dynamometer, pressure pain threshold assessment using a digital algometer, and completion of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. All assessments will be performed once during a single study visit. No therapeutic intervention will be administered.

Mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of adult patients (≥18 years) with clinically suspected and electrophysiologically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome who are evaluated in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic. Participants will be classified into mild, moderate, and severe groups according to electrophysiological severity.

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 years or older
• Clinical findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome
• Carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by electroneuromyography
• Ability to understand and complete the study assessments
• Provision of written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Previous carpal tunnel release surgery
• History of fracture, major trauma, or surgery involving the assessed wrist or hand
• Cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, or other peripheral neuropathy affecting the upper extremity
• Polyneuropathy
• Inflammatory rheumatic disease or active infection involving the assessed upper extremity
• Severe neurological or musculoskeletal disorder that may affect hand function
• Inability to complete ultrasonographic, electrophysiological, functional, or questionnaire assessments

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Education and Research Hospital

Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, 34307, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Median Neuropathy; Mononeuropathies; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Sprains and Strains; Wounds and Injuries

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 29, 2026
• First Posted: August 7, 2026
• Study Start: June 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: July 31, 2026
• Study Completion: July 31, 2026
• Last Updated: September 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Locations

TU (1)