What is clinical correlation requested for carpal tunnel syndrome?

For carpal tunnel syndrome, the following clinical correlation is typically requested:

- Symptoms:

- Location and severity of pain (especially in the wrist and thumb)

- Numbness or tingling sensations

- Weakness in the hand or wrist

- Difficulty with fine motor movements

- Physical examination findings:

- Tinel's sign (tapping over the median nerve at the wrist to elicit pain)

- Phalen's sign (flexing the wrist for 60 seconds to reproduce symptoms)

- Median nerve sensory testing (evaluating sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers)

- Motor testing of the median nerve (拇指外展肌and the first dorsal interosseous muscle)

- Medical history:

- Conditions associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (e.g., diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, pregnancy)

- Previous trauma or injuries to the wrist or arm

- Occupational history (repetitive hand or wrist movements)

- Imaging studies:

- Nerve conduction studies (to evaluate the electrical function of the median nerve)

- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrist (to assess for structural abnormalities or compression of the median nerve)

- Treatment history:

- Conservative measures (e.g., splinting, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications)

- Previous surgeries or injections

- Patient expectations and goals:

- Understanding of the diagnosis and prognosis

- Treatment preferences and desired outcomes

This clinical correlation aids the radiologist in interpreting the imaging findings and providing an accurate diagnosis and recommendations for management of carpal tunnel syndrome.