Rudolfer et al reported several models for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. The authors used a questionnaire for clinical history. The authors are from the University of Manchester.
Patient selection: evaluate for carpal tunnel syndrome
Typical sites affected: thumb and thenar eminence, index finger, thumb side of middle finger
Parameters:
(1) duration in minutes
(2) time since first episode
(3) location of symptoms
(4) relief
(5) severity of symptoms (numbness, pain, tingling, weakness)
(6) occurrence
Parameter
Finding
Points
duration in minutes
none
0
<= 10 minutes
1
> 10 minutes
2
time since first episode
none
0
less than 3 months
1
3 to 12 months
2
1 to 5 years
3
6 to 10 years
4
over 10 years
5
location
none
0
thumb to middle finger
1
fourth and fifth finger
2
all 5 fingers
3
other
4
relief
not needed
0
shaking hand
1
other action
2
no relief
3
severity of symptoms
none
0
mild
1
moderate
2
severe
3
timing of episodes
no episodes
0
daytime episodes
1
nocturnal episodes
2
episodes day and night
3
continuous
4
total score =
= SUM(points for all 6 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 21
• The higher the score the more significant the findings.
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