Relation between Findings of Nerve Conduction Study and Hand Function in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract
Background: Functional problems occur in carpal tunnel syndrome patients affecting their daily living activities.
Aim of Study: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between nerve conduction study and hand function findings in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Subjects and Methods: The study included 40 female patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. They were assessed by nerve conduction study, pinch dynamometer for pinch strength and Boston questionnaire for assessing the symptoms severity and functional status of patients with CTS.
Results: This study revealed that there was no correlation between motor latency and symptoms subscale (r=0.113, p= 0.489), functional subscale (r=0.212, p=0.189), total hand function scale (r=0.177, p=0.274), tip pinch (r=–0.093, p= 0.567), and key pinch (r=–0.025, p=0.88) and palmar pinch (r=0.001, p=0.995).
There was no correlation between motor amplitude and symptoms subscale (r=0.018, p=0.911), functional subscale (r=–0.075, p=0.645), total hand function scale (r=–0.03, p= 0.855), key pinch (r=0.196, p=0.225) and palmar pinch (r= 0.062, p=0.705). While, there was weak positive significant correlation between motor amplitude and tip pinch (r=0.351, p=0.027*).
There was no correlation between velocity of motor nerve and symptoms subscale (r=0.199, p=0.217), functional subscale (r=0.245, p=0. 127), total hand function scale (r=0.247, p= 0.125), tip pinch (r=0.174, p=0.282), between, key pinch (r= 0.049, p=0.764), and palmar pinch (r=–0.013, p=0.936).
There was no correlation between onset sensory latency and symptoms subscale (r=0.01, p=0.951), functional subscale (r=–0.036, p=0.826), total hand function scale (r=–0.013, p= 0.935), tip pinch (r=–0.095, p=0.56), key pinch (r=–0.212, p=0.19) and palmar pinch (r=–0.188, p=0.245).
There was no correlation between sensory amplitude and symptoms subscale (r=0.033, p=0.841), functional subscale (r=0.143, p=0.379), total hand function scale (r=0.096, p= 0.555), tip pinch (r=0.178, p=0.273), key pinch (r=0.099, p= 0.543) and palmar pinch (r=–0.019, p=0.909).
Conclusion: Hand function assessment should be done separately from nerve conduction study when assessing carpal tunnel syndrome patients. Psychological factors should be considered.