Assessment of Ultrasound Findings, Nerve Test Results, and Hand Function in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions caused by compression of a nerve at the wrist. It can lead to numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and difficulty performing daily activities. Although nerve conduction studies are widely used to confirm the diagnosis and assess disease severity, ultrasonography has become an increasingly important, non-invasive diagnostic tool. However, the relationship between ultrasound findings, nerve conduction study results, hand function, and symptom severity has not been fully clarified. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the clinical severity of carpal tunnel syndrome and ultrasonographic, electrophysiological, and functional parameters. Participants with carpal tunnel syndrome will undergo ultrasonographic measurement of the median nerve, nerve conduction studies, hand grip strength assessment, pressure pain threshold measurement, and completion of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The investigators hypothesize that greater clinical severity will be associated with larger median nerve cross-sectional area, more severe electrophysiological abnormalities, reduced hand grip strength, lower pressure pain threshold, and poorer functional status. The findings of this study may improve the understanding of the relationship between structural, electrophysiological, and functional changes in carpal tunnel syndrome and contribute to clinical evaluation and patient management.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Clinical findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome * Carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by electroneuromyography * Ability to understand and complete the study assessments * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous carpal tunnel release surgery * History of fracture, major trauma, or surgery involving the assessed wrist or hand * Cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, or other peripheral neuropathy affecting the upper extremity * Polyneuropathy * Inflammatory rheumatic disease or active infection involving the assessed upper extremity * Severe neurological or musculoskeletal disorder that may affect hand function * Inability to complete ultrasonographic, electrophysiological, functional, or questionnaire assessments