Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access

Update on the use of ultrasound in the diagnostic of carpal tunnel syndrome

5^th International Conference of Orthopedic Surgeons and Rheumatology

June 16-17, 2016 Alicante, Spain

Renato A Sernik

S�­rio Liban�ªs Hospital, Brazil

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Rheumatology (Sunnyvale)

Abstract :

Ultra-sonography has become one of the main complementary tests for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in patients with a history of diseases that may be associated with peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes mellitus, or in cases where the electroneuromyography is doubtful. The method has also been useful in patients with unsatisfactory results after surgical treatment, where fibrosis, adhesions and neuromas can be identified, having the advantage compared to MRI to be dynamic examination and lower cost. However, the method is operator-dependent with a longer learning curve. Between 2006 and 2014 we analyzed about 120 wrists of patients with clinical suspicion of carpal tunnel syndrome, with electroneuromyographic correlation, being part of the results published in the journal Skeletal Radiology (2008). The increase in cross-sectional area associated with the change in echotexture of the median nerve is the main criteria used for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Biography :

Renato A Sernik obtained PhD from the University of São Paulo in 2001. He is the author of books “Ultrasound of the Musculoskeletal System (1999) and Ultrasound of the Musculoskeletal System - Correlation with MRI (2009)”, translated into Spanish and Italian. He is the Chairman of the Committee and obtained a radiologist title by the Brazilian College of Radiology 2009-2014. He worked as a Radiologist at the Medical School Hospital of the University of São Paulo for 16 years and the Sírio Libanês Hospital for 14 years.

Email: rasernik@uol.com.br