Diagnostic accuracy of the upper limb neurodynamic test with median bias (ULNT1) for cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

The upper limb neurodynamic test for median nerve (ULNT1) is commonly applied for assessment of cervical radiculopathy (CR). However, the diagnostic accuracy of ULNT1 in diagnosing CR remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy of the ULNT1 for the CR.

DATA SOURCES: Four databases were searched for relevant studies published up to April 30, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION: Cross-sectional or cohort studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of ULNT1 for CR were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS: The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) checklist. A bivariate random-effects regression model was used for the data synthesis. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

A total of 592 references were identified, and five studies with 465 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall quality of the body of evidence was very low across studies. Heterogeneity of studies was high. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the ULNT1 were 0.69 (95% CI 0.50-0.83) and 0.54 (95% CI 0.36-0.71), respectively. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve area was 0.65 (95% CI 0.61-0.69).

CONCLUSION

There is low certainty of evidence that the ULNT1 has only fair accuracy in diagnosing CR. The ULNT1 was recommended as an add-on test after the existing diagnostic pathway to enhance diagnostic accuracy further. High-quality studies which follow the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy and the QUADAS-2; a revised tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy, are needed.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO: CRD42021255686 CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.