Studio dell’arto superiore in medicina del lavoro: utilizzo dell’ecografia nella diagnosi della sindrome del tunnel carpale

STUDY OF UPPER LIMB IN OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE: USAGE OF ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION IN DIAGNOSIS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Key words: ultrasound examination, carpal tunnel syndrome, work ABSTRACT. AIM OF STUDY. The Authors analyzed the reliability of ultrasound examination (UE) in combination with Electromyography for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosis in workers at risk of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS. 60 subjects (average age 56,6± 9,7 years, 58% females and 42% males, specific working average age 28,6 ± 10,6 years), who had required the reconnaissance of CTD as professional disease, were studied by questionnaire, physical examination, UE and Electromyography in triple bound. The data analysis was performed using current statistical methods, in particular, the correlation between electromyographycal and ultrasound results was studied applying the scale severity method (absent, low, moderate, severe syndrome). RESULTS. Questionnaire results confirmed literature data for jobs at higher CTD risk (building, clothing, food sectors); the majority of symptoms affected wrists, hands and finger of both hands; the most frequent symptom was numbness of hands fingers. Comparison between ultrasound and electromyographycal data resulted in highest correlation for cases at low and moderate CTS level. CONCLUSIONS. Although electromyography represents the “gold standard” in CTS diagnosis, UE has proved his validity as investigation method useful especially in the initial phases of disease. Further literature data and surveys are needed to improve the reliability of this non invasive technique.