Ultrasound and MRI in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The Dilemma of Simplifying the Approach to a Complex Disease or Making Complex Assessments of a Simple Problem

摘要

I read with great interest the article by Horng et al that focuses on the accuracy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in both the rest and grasp conditions.The diagnosis of CTS can be made confidently in patients who present with the characteristic clinical findings, but confidence diminishes as the presentation deviates from these characteristic findings. Some studies have tried to use case definitions based on physical examination criteria,2 but current controversy surrounding occupational risk factors for CTS stems from debate regarding an acceptable case definition.