Ultrasound measurements and touch sensation in carpal tunnel syndrome

Investigation of the Relationship Between Ultrasonographic Parameters and Tactile Sensation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Observational Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey · NCT07170449

This study tests whether ultrasound measurements of the median nerve are linked to how much touch sensation people with carpal tunnel syndrome have.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Academic / other
Locations1 site (Üsküdar, İ̇stanbul)
Trial IDNCT07170449 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational, single-center study enrolls adults with electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome and compares median nerve ultrasonography measurements with standardized sensory testing and nerve conduction studies. Investigators exclude participants with diabetes, systemic inflammatory disease, other neuropathies, prior CTS surgery, or advanced hand arthritis to avoid confounding conditions. Sonographic indices such as nerve cross-sectional diameter at the tunnel inlet and outlet are recorded and correlated with patients' tactile complaints and sensory test results. The goal is to clarify whether specific ultrasound parameters track with sensory loss in CTS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome who have sensory symptoms for at least six weeks and can read and consent are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with diabetes, systemic inflammatory disease, other neuropathies (like polyneuropathy or radiculopathy), prior carpal tunnel surgery, advanced hand arthritis, or those outside the 18–65 age range are unlikely to benefit from this study's specific findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help clinicians use ultrasound measurements to better understand or monitor sensory loss in CTS and guide diagnosis or treatment decisions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows ultrasound can detect median nerve enlargement and sometimes correlates with nerve conduction findings, but relationships specifically between sonographic indices and tactile sensation have been inconsistent.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Electrodiagnostic diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome with pain, numbness, burning, and tingling consistent with the median nerve dermatomal area lasting at least 6 weeks.
* Literate
* Agree to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concomitant diabetes, systemic inflammatory disease, active infection, and history of malignancy
* Being \<18 and \>65 years old
* Being illiterate
* Refusing to participate in the study
* Having a disease with neuropathic pain, such as polyneuropathy, radiculopathy, or MS
* Other concomitant upper extremity entrapment neuropathies (e.g., cubital tunnel syndrome)
* Having undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome
* Rheumatoid arthritis, advanced hand osteoarthritis

Where this trial is running

Üsküdar, İ̇stanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Carpal Tunnel SyndromeUltrasonographyTactile Sensation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.