Reliability of physical examination for carpal tunnel syndrome

Publication type
Journal article
Authors
Marx RG, Hudak PL, Bombardier C, Graham B, Goldsmith C, Wright JG
Date published
1998 Aug 01
Journal
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Volume
23
Issue
4
Pages
499-502
PMID
9726554
Open Access?
No
Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of static and moving two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, Tinel's test, manual motor testing of abductor pollicis brevis, vibration and Phalen's test in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Twelve patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome were examined in an outpatient setting. The interobserver reliability was satisfactory for all tests except for Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing. Intraobserver reliability was also satisfactory for all tests. Static two point discrimination had higher reliability than moving two-point discrimination. Seven tests for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome were reliable in the hands of skilled health care professionals. Hand surgeons and hand therapists examined patients more reliably than occupational health workers