Effectiveness of the Six-Item Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Scale (CTS-6) Questionnaire for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Abstract
Introduction: The Six-Item Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Scale (CTS-6) is a a short 6-item scale based on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). Objective: To evaluate the CTS-6 to identify patients with peripheral neuropathy of the median nerve using surgical criteria. Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive observational study was conducted on a group of patientsdiagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. The CTS-6 was employed, and the diagnosis was confirmed with electromyography. The patients then underwent surgery. The differences in the CTS-6 score between the various severity levels measured by electromyography were examined. Results: 106 patients were analyzed and a total of 126 hands were evaluated. 20.75% had bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The median CTS-6 score was 21 (min. 16.5; max. 26). According to electromyography results, 24.22% of CTS cases were severe. When comparing the CTS-6 score according to the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome assessed by electromyography, the median CTS-6 score was 16.5 in mild cases, 21 in moderate cases, and 26 in severe cases. Conclusions: Electromyography revealed a higher CTS-6 score in patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome. This raises the possibility that it could be used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool in carpal tunnel syndrome to determine which patients would benefit from surgical therapy.Downloads
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