INCIDENCE OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN TURKISH ATHLETES: USAGE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN DIAGNOSIS AND SEVERITY MAPPING

Abstract

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a group of symptoms caused by median nerve compression within the carpal tunnel. It is typically caused by elevated CT pressure and diminished median nerve function. The most common cause of CTS in athletes is the persistent application of greater pressure to their CT during game practice. Ultrasonography (USG) and electro-diagnosis have been applied to determine CTS. This study aims to examine the role of ultrasonography in diagnosing and assessing the severity of CTS in Turkish athletes. Method: Between June 2022 and September 2022, 64 athletes without neurological disorders and complaints in the upper extremity were recruited for this investigation. Regarding complaints, the CTS-6 scale was applied to all athletic patients. According to this scale, athletes who scored 12 points or more were deemed CTS-6 positive, while those who scored less than 12 points were deemed CTS-6 negative. Results: MNSA (p= 0.000), MMDL (p= 0.000), MSCV (p= 0.000), and BMI (p= 0.002) exhibit statistically significant differences (p0.05) about the severity of CTS. At the cut-off value (MNSA) of 9.5mm2, the sensitivity was 88%, but it was 79% at the cut-off value of 10.5mm2. Conclusion: USG has successfully determined the severity of the CTS. USG is largely replacing EDX for physical evaluation since it is more cost effective and quicker. Even in Turkey, most athletes choose to have their CTS diagnosed with USG.