Cross-sectional comparison of nerve conduction and vibration threshold testing: do screening tools for occupationally induced cumulative trauma disorders result in differing outcomes?

PURPOSE/METHOD: Early diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is essential for its effective treatment and subsequent reduction or prevention of the personal and economic losses associated with it. This paper describes a comparison of vibration threshold testing (VTT) and nerve conduction testing (NCT) within the same subjects.

RESULTS

Across age and diagnostic category there was little difference between VTT results and the NCT velocity measure in their ability to identify individuals with CTS.

CONCLUSION

This is important because VTT is more easily administered and tolerated than NCT and can be used in general screening studies to identify potential CTS cases.