Which outcome measures are recommended for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Which outcome measures are recommended for carpal tunnel syndrome?

• A. CTQ-SSS, CTQ-FS, and DASH
• B. Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test
• C. Purdue Pegboard
• D. Michigan Hand Questionnaire

Answer: (A)

In carpal tunnel syndrome, the best outcome measures combine a CTS-specific questionnaire with a broad upper-extremity disability measure. The Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire provides two targeted pieces: a Symptom Severity Scale that quantifies the intensity and impact of CTS symptoms (numbness, tingling, night symptoms, pain, etc.), and a Functional Status Scale that assesses how CTS affects hand-related activities. Pairing these with the DASH, a comprehensive patient-reported measure of upper-extremity disability, gives both disease-specific detail and a broad view of functional impact, allowing sensitive tracking of change after treatment. Other options focus more on general hand function tests or dexterity tasks rather than capturing CTS-specific symptom burden and functional limitations, so they don’t provide as complete a picture for CTS outcomes.

In carpal tunnel syndrome, the best outcome measures combine a CTS-specific questionnaire with a broad upper-extremity disability measure. The Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire provides two targeted pieces: a Symptom Severity Scale that quantifies the intensity and impact of CTS symptoms (numbness, tingling, night symptoms, pain, etc.), and a Functional Status Scale that assesses how CTS affects hand-related activities. Pairing these with the DASH, a comprehensive patient-reported measure of upper-extremity disability, gives both disease-specific detail and a broad view of functional impact, allowing sensitive tracking of change after treatment.

Other options focus more on general hand function tests or dexterity tasks rather than capturing CTS-specific symptom burden and functional limitations, so they don’t provide as complete a picture for CTS outcomes.