Shih, M., BS, S. Pereira, BS, S. Burastero, MD, and P. Tittirannonda, MPH
, , October, 1993.

Preliminary study results where presented as a Poster Exhibit at the American Public Health Association, 121st Annual Meeting.

"Determination of the motor and sensory latencies of the ulnar and median nerves are useful diagnostic procedures in the detection of peripheral compression neuropathies such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Traditionally formal NCV studies have been regarded as the "gold standardÓ in CTS diagnosis. Yet because of their expense, time requirement, and discomfort of the patient, electrodiagnostic studies are not used routinely to diagnose or screen for early CTS. Often an orthopedist or a primary care physician will treat suspected CTS cases empirically, without proper objective diagnostic documentation. A screening test for CTS is needed that is cheap, noninvasive, simple to administer, and easy to interpret. The Electroneurometer S-200 is a new tabletop nerve conduction machine which measures both sensory and motor latencies across the wrist. The Electroneurometer S-200 provides quick, simple, and inexpensive results and may serve as an effective screening tool for CTS and other peripheral compression neuropathies. Testing can be performed by a technician in the workplace setting where prompt ergonomic job modifications can be made. This study is evaluating the reliability and accuracy of the Electroneurometer S-200 in testing the sensory and motor latencies of the ulnar and median nerves across the wrist. The motor and sensory latencies of the ulnar and median nerves are measured in both symptomatic (n=15) and asymptomatic normal (n=15) subjects. Preliminary results show a close correlation with the motor and sensory latencies obtained from a standard Cadwell EMG machine. The electroneurometer results will also be compared to those of other diagnostic tests, such as Phalens test, Tinels test, and Vibrometry testing in both normal and symptomatic subjects, in the hopes of providing simple and reliable clinical measures for the early diagnosis and treatment of cumulative trauma disorders."