NCT07508397

Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area and Body Weight in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Relationship Between Ultrasonographic Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area and Electrophysiological Severity in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis: The Masking Role of Body Weight

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Kayseri City Hospital · Other Government
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic measurements of the median nerve in patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). While ultrasound is a common diagnostic tool, various physical factors can influence its results. The researchers will investigate how a patient's absolute body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) affect the size of the median nerve cross-sectional area across different stages of disease severity. The goal is to determine if absolute body weight plays a 'masking' role that could lead to more precise diagnostic interpretations in clinical practice.

Detailed description

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, and while electrodiagnostic studies (NCS/EMG) remain the gold standard, ultrasonography (USG) has gained popularity as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. However, the correlation between median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) and electrophysiological severity can be inconsistent due to anthropometric variations. In this prospective observational study involving 120 participants, the researchers will perform high-resolution ultrasonographic measurements of the median nerve at the level of the pisiform bone. All patients will undergo standardized nerve conduction studies to be classified into mild, moderate, or severe CTS stages according to AAEM criteria. The study specifically focuses on the 'masking hypothesis,' which suggests that absolute body weight may have a more significant impact on nerve morphological changes than the ratio-based BMI, particularly during the progression from mild to moderate stages. By analyzing these relationships using non-parametric statistical methods, the study seeks to improve the reliability of USG-based diagnostics in diverse patient populations.

Conditions

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Entrapment Neuropathies
• Median Nerve Compression

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	High-Resolution Ultrasonography and Electrophysiological Evaluation	Participants underwent a high-resolution ultrasonographic examination using a high-frequency linear probe to measure the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) at the level of the pisiform bone. Subsequently, standardized electrophysiological evaluations (motor distal latency and sensory conduction velocity) were performed to classify CTS severity according to AAEM criteria.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-01
• Primary completion: 2026-07-01
• Completion: 2026-09-01
• First posted: 2026-04-02
• Last updated: 2026-04-02