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Abstract The carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist, is considered to be the most common entrapment neuropathy (Baysal et al., 2006). The definition of CTS has been based on major and minor symptoms or primary and secondary symptoms. The major or primary symptoms which are numbness, tingling and nocturnal complaints; they are usually considered more specific in nerve injury. Minor or secondary symptoms are pain, weakness and clumsiness. Secondary symptoms represent in soft tissue and other musculoskeletal disorders (Campos et al., 2004). Incidence and prevalence studies on general populations have shown that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is more frequent in women, although according to different studies, the ratio women–men varies from 5.7 to 1( Mondellia et al ., 2005 ). Recently, the refinement of high-frequency broadband transeducers with a range of 5-15 MHz, sophisticated focusing in the near field, and sensitive color and power Doppler technology have improved the ability to evaluate peripheral nerve entrapment in osteofibrous tunnels (carpal tunnel syndrome) with ultrasonography. High-resolution US allow direct imaging of the involved nerves, as well as documentation of changes in nerve shape and echotexture that occur in compressive syndromes. A spectrum of extrinsic causes of entrapment, such as tenosynovitis, ganglia, soft tissue tumors, bone and joint abnormalities and anomalous muscles, can also be diagnosed with US (Martinoli et al., 2000). The degree of nerve enlargement shows the actual grade of nerve compression and may determine the necessity of an operative therapy, as shown with MRI (Henrich et al., 2003). |