Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging & Sonography in an Animal Model in the Acute Stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the compression of an enlarged or inflamed median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel and deep to the flexor retinaculum. CTS is one of the most common entrapment syndromes of the upper limbs, with hundreds of thousands of new cases of CTS reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States every year (CDC,2012). Presently, according to the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has a rating of nine out of ten as the best choice for diagnosing CTS in patients with persistent wrist pain after the initial radiograph. The Appropriateness Criteria also lists musculoskeletal (MSK) sonography with a rating of one out of ten; however, qualities such as accessibility, cost effectiveness, being less invasive, relatively painless, time effectiveness, as well as providing real time imaging, may provide additional information in conjunction with Magnetic Resonance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance, if any, through quantitative analysis of the median nerve, between Magnetic Resonance and Sonography in the acute stages of CTS. Imaging was performed on Maccaca fascularis monkeys at baseline, working, and recovery intervals. The data was collected from two independent, blinded researchers, one certified in Magnetic Resonance, the other certified in Sonography. Although each study demonstrated no conclusive comparison between MRI and Sonography in the evaluation of the median nerve, the information gained regarding study protocol is invaluable to provide feedback to design a higher level clinical study. MSK sonography may be a useful tool in combination with MRI, to diagnose CTS, with minimal discomfort to the patient. More research needs to be conducted in the acute stages of CTS before the patient reaches the advanced, symptomatic stages, in the form of a clinical human study.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Allied Medical Professions

Grantor dc:publisher

The Ohio State University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Larry, Fout Tyler

Contributors dc:contributor

• Evans, Kevin

• Radiology
• MMN
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Median nerve
• MRI
• SNR
• CEUS

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1366024917

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:osu1366024917