An Experimental Survey on the Effect of Using the CTS-6 Tool on the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Hand Surgeons.

BACKGROUND

This controlled randomized experiment tested the research hypothesis that providing the CTS-6 quantitative diagnostic information to hand surgeons affects the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

METHODS

Surgeon members of American Association for Hand Surgery participated in an online survey. Demographic and practice pattern information was collected. Few surgeons routinely use diagnostic questionnaires or algorithms. Each member was given four clinical scenarios. The respondents were randomized, The experimental group was given the same scenarios as the control group plus the quantitative results of the CTS-6 diagnostic tool.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between the groups in the diagnostic decisions. Using the CTS-6 quantitative diagnostic tool affected the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially for patients with the lowest number of findings associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

While accurate diagnostic decisions are dependent on the incorporation of all of the pertinent information gathered during the history and physical exams, the results of the CTS-6 may help the clinician focus their thinking and revise their diagnostic probabilities.