The importance of electrophysiologic support for carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis in the elderly

Abstract

Objective: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy that is more common in women and increases with age.The diagnosis is made clinically and electrophysiological tests contribute diagnosis. The first options in treatment include physical therapy programs, pharmacological agents and surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the diagnosis of CTS and electromyography (EMG) and age. Methods: In this study, we compared the age of patients with only CTS without muscle weakness or atrophy. A total of 59 patients (group 1 aged <50 years n=30, group 2 aged >65 years n=29) were included in the study. Age, sex, Tinel sign, Phalen sign, carpal compression test, and EMG results were evaluated. In light of the data obtained from the patient records, patients with other diseases that caused their symptoms and those with disorders other than CTS electrophysiologically were excluded from the study. Results: In the evaluation of EMG results, EMG positivity was found to be higher in older patients and there was no difference in terms of clinical symptoms. Also, the Tinel sign was correlated with EMG significance in both old and young individuals. Conclusion: We believe that EMG will give more guidance in older patients than younger individuals in the presence of suspected clinical suspicion of CTS.