%0 Journal Article
%T Ultrasound Measurement of the Cross
%A Jared A. Crasto
%A John R. Fowler
%A Michael E. Scott
%J HAND
%@ 1558-9455
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/1558944717731857
%X Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of concise instruction and guidance on the accuracy of measuring the cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet. Methods: Seven orthopedic residents and 5 hand fellows obtained serial measurements of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet using a 15-6 MHz ultrasound (US) probe. After a 5-minute teaching session, all participants repeated measurements. A single cadaveric specimen was used. Measurements were compared with the measurement of a fellowship-trained hand surgeon with extensive experience in US diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. This was considered the reference standard. Results: The rate of participants selecting the correct structure to measure on US was 36% before instruction and 97% after. Discarding the measurements of the incorrect structure, the average measurement was 4.8 mm2 before instruction and 5.2 mm2 after. The standard measurement was 6 mm2. The average deviation from the standard measurement £¿.2 mm2 before instruction and £¿0.8 mm2 after. The percent of measurements (of the correct structure) that fell within 1 mm2 of the standard measurement increased from 62% to 74%. Participant self-reported confidence in performing measurements elevated from 2.4/10 before instruction to 6.5/10 after. Conclusions: US of the median nerve cross-sectional area can be efficiently taught and results in measurements consistent with that of an experienced operator
%K ultrasound
%K carpal tunnel syndrome
%K point-of-care
%K teaching
%K education
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1558944717731857