Using ultrasound to analyze the carpal tunnel system
Ultrasound Analysis of Human Carpal Tunnel Synovium
This study is testing a new ultrasound method to see if it can help doctors spot carpal tunnel syndrome earlier in patients before serious nerve damage happens.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT02747836 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to develop a novel ultrasonographic method to assess the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) and measure the movement of tendons and nerves within the carpal tunnel. By identifying changes in the SSCT and median nerve motion, the study seeks to improve the early diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) before significant nerve damage occurs. Current diagnostic methods often detect CTS at a late stage, leading to surgical interventions, whereas this approach may allow for non-surgical treatments to be more effective. The study will involve patients undergoing diagnostic workups for CTS, confirmed through clinical evaluation and nerve conduction studies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients undergoing diagnostic evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome who have clinically confirmed CTS.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, or other specified exclusions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, potentially preventing permanent nerve damage.
How similar studies have performed: While ultrasound and MRI have been used in similar contexts, this specific approach focusing on SSCT is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients will be selected from among those undergoing diagnostic work up for CTS in the pre-treatment period. CTS diagnosis will be confirmed clinically and by nerve conduction study Exclusion Criteria: * The following disorders will be criteria for exclusion: * any history of cervical radiculopathy * rheumatoid arthritis * osteoarthritis * degenerative joint disease * flexor tendinitis * gout hemodialysis * sarcoidosis * peripheral nerve disease * amyloidosis * traumatic injuries to the ipsilateral arm
Where this trial is running
Rochester, Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lindsey Hobbs
- Email: hobbs.lindsey@mayo.edu
- Phone: 507-293-9765
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.