General principles and use of electrodiagnostic studies in carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes. With special, attention to pitfalls and interpretation.

Abstract

Electrodiagnostic studies can help confirm the clinical impression of CTS and cubital tunnel syndrome with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. These tests can provide valuable information regarding the exact point of nerve compression as well as the severity of damage. Differentiating these nerve entrapment syndromes from other conditions with similar clinical presentations can lead to effective therapy and can help predict response to treatment. The electrodiagnostic laboratory should employ the most current and sensitive techniques for obtaining optimal results, and the ordering physician should have a working knowledge of the principle involved in the tests to make best use of the resulting information.