Publication:

Electrodiagnostic severity distribution of carpal tunnel syndrome and its clinical correlates

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper limb. Nerve conduction studies are used to confirm the diagnosis and classify severity. Understanding the distribution of electrodiagnostic severity and its clinical correlates is important for patient management and healthcare planning.

Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study included 100 consecutive adult patients with confirmed CTS and completed nerve conduction studies at Jordan University Hospital. Electrodiagnostic severity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Demographic characteristics, symptom duration, and comorbidities were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Cross-tabulation was used to examine severity in relation to selected variables.

Results Severe CTS was the most common category, accounting for 67% of cases. Moderate CTS was observed in 21%, and mild CTS in 12%. Females represented 80% of the study population. Severe disease was proportionally more frequent among females. Patients with moderate and severe CTS were older than those with mild disease. Mean symptom duration increased slightly with greater severity. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were common in moderate and severe groups. Other comorbidities were less frequent.

Conclusions Severe electrodiagnostic CTS was predominant in this cohort. Female sex, older age, and certain systemic comorbidities were frequently observed in moderate and severe cases. These findings highlight the importance of early evaluation to reduce progression to advanced disease.