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  • A sad truth about clinician's ability to assess wounds.

    Digital wound assessment by hand specialists is moderately reliable. Ring, et al. (2025) Level of Evidence: 4 Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 👍 (3/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Diagnostic Topic : Wounds - Assessment This study evaluated the reliability of digital wound assessment by hand specialists after minor surgery. A group of 125 hand surgeons assessed 20 digital photographs of wounds, focusing on four criteria: wound separation, erythema, hematoma/ecchymosis, and purulence. The interobserver agreement was measured using kappa statistics. Results showed moderate reliability for erythema (κ = 0.40) and wound separation (κ = 0.49), while purulence (κ = 0.36) and hematoma/ecchymosis (κ = 0.34) had fair agreement. Demographic factors did not influence reliability. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, clinicians have moderate reliability when assessing digital wound after minor surgery. It appears that they tend to be better at assessing erythema and wound separation compared to purulence and ecchymosis. Despite these limitations, I still think that asking surgeon's about their opinion in terms of pictures of wound taken in clinic is useful. URL : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2024.07.001 Abstract publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

  • Do these 2 things for post-traumatic elbow stiffness.

    The role of preoperative factors, surgical approach, mobilization protocol for improved surgical outcomes after open elbow arthrolysis in post-traumatic elbow stiffness – an ambispective cohort study. Geevarughese, et al. (2025) Level of Evidence: 2c Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 👍 (3/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Therapeutic Topic : Post-traumatic elbow stiffness - Splinting and surgery This retrospective study assessed the effectiveness of open elbow arthrolysis in the treatment of elbow stiffness. Only participants who had a splinting trial with plateauing in ROM underwent surgery. A total of 55 participants underwent arthrolysis. Their average elbow arc of motion (flexion-extension) was 33° pre-surgery. Following surgery, all participants underwent an early mobilisation approach with the combined use of splinting in the form of static night splint or static progressive splinting. The results showed that the elbow arc of motion improved to 88° after surgery and that those participants with the worst pre-surgical arc of motion were the ones improving the most. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, a trial of conservative treatment with exercise and splinting should be provided to patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness. If this course resulted in plateauing of ROM improvements, elbow arthrolysis is indicated as it can recover a significant arc of motion, especially in those people with severe ROM limitation. This study is a nice addition to the one exploring the potential causes of post-traumatic elbow stiffness . If you are interested in this topic, have a look at the whole database , there are a lot of studies available. URL : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2025.02.042 Abstract Background: Post-traumatic elbow stiffness decreases the range of movement (ROM) and limits functional activities of the upper limb. Postinjury therapy and splints have been used to improve the ROM. Despite this, surgical release is required in several instances. Surgical approaches to open arthrolysis vary. However, the medial approach has been less discussed. Multiple factors impact prognosis, final ROM, and functional outcomes after arthrolysis. The objectives of this study were to analyze functional outcomes following open elbow arthrolysis, outline postinjury and postoperative mobilization protocol implemented, the role of the medial approach, and identify preoperative factors contributing toward favorable functional outcomes in post-traumatic elbow stiffness treated by open elbow arthrolysis. Methods: In this single-center ambispective cohort study, we retrospectively recruited a cohort of post-traumatic elbow stiffness patients. They were placed in a structured preoperative therapy and splinting program. Those persisting with moderate to severe stiffness 3 to 6 months following the therapy underwent open elbow arthrolysis. A prospective study was done to evaluate the functional outcomes, pain, stability, and ROMs after elbow arthrolysis. The effect of the medial approach was evaluated for surgical outcomes. Clinical significance by minimal clinically important difference and statistical significance of various preoperative factors for improved ROM and functional outcomes were evaluated. Results: Ninety-four patients with post-traumatic stiffness underwent the structured preoperative rehabilitation protocol. The severity of stiffness was downgraded with therapy in 39 patients, and the remaining 55 patients underwent open elbow arthrolysis. At a mean follow-up of 76.6 ± 40.4 months, the mean gain in arc of motion from preop was 54° ± 32°, and the mean ROM at final follow-up was 88° ± 30° (P = .026). An isolated medial approach was performed in 65.5%. The mean improvement in arc of motion with the isolated medial approach was 51° ± 28° and 45° ± 34° with the combined medial-lateral approach. The severity of preoperative stiffness showed statistical significance in improvement in arc of motion and postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score (P = .033), while the interval from trauma to surgery was shown to be clinically significant by minimal clinically important difference. Conclusions: Structured preoperative rehabilitation protocol downgrades the severity of elbow stiffness. The open elbow arthrolysis significantly improves arc of motion and Mayo Elbow Performance Score. The medial approach demonstrates an improved arc of motion compared to combined and posterior approaches. The severity of preoperative stiffness and interval from trauma to surgery has a significant correlation to improvement in the arc of motion and Mayo Elbow Performance Score. publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

  • Is age the problematic factor for recovery following digital nerve injuries?

    Long-term subjective and objective outcomes after digital nerve repair: A cohort study. Evertsson, et al. (2025) Level of Evidence: 3b Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 👍 (3/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Therapeutic Topic : Digital nerve injuries - Long term outcomes The study investigates functional and sensory outcomes in patients with digital nerve injuries repair, comparing those with injuries in central fingers versus border digits. Key findings reveal that younger patients (age <44) exhibit favorable sensory recovery, while older individuals may have limited benefit from surgical repair. Hand function assessment showed no significant differences between injury locations, suggesting similar treatment approaches regardless of digit. The research highlights the importance of minimising neuropathic pain and cold sensitivity, particularly in older adults as these appear to be the most common symptoms. One of the limitations of this paper is the multiple tests performed, which increases the chance of finding difference due to chance. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, younger patients (under 44) exhibit better sensory recovery following digital nerve repair. Regardless of whether the injury occurs in central fingers or border digits, hand function outcomes are similar. For older patients, attention should be directed towards managing neuropathic pain and cold sensitivity, which may not improve significantly with surgical intervention. It is important to remember that digital nerve sensory loss can have a negative impact in force development as well . URL : https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934241286116 Abstract Digital nerve injuries are common, but few studies report long-term effects for the individual. The primary aim of this matched-pairs study comparing digital nerve injuries in border digits or central fingers was to investigate hand function 3–10 years after digital nerve repair, assessed using the Mini Sollerman test in 86 patients. Secondary outcomes were sensory function, range of motion, grip strength and patient-reported measures. No significant difference was seen in hand function between the groups, except for lower grip strength in patients with central finger injury. Tactile discrimination was achieved in 87%, with best results among participants aged less than 44 years. Touch perception was measurable in 99%. No statistically significant differences in sensory function were found between the groups. Patient-reported disability was low, with median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 5, but half of the patients reported neuropathic pain. Numbness and cold sensitivity were the symptoms graded worst after digital nerve injury. publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

  • Answer - When elbow pain stuns an athlete: What did imaging reveal?

    Lateral triceps tendon rupture in a collegiate athlete. Labate, et al. (2024) Level of Evidence: 5 Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 (2/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Diagnostic Study Topic : Lateral elbow pain and dorsal hand pain - Distal triceps tear This paper describes a case of a 20-year-old collegiate football player who sustained a direct elbow contusion during play, leading to lateral elbow pain radiating into the right hand with an 8/10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Initial imaging included radiographs, which were normal. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a full-thickness tear of the lateral triceps tendon with significant retraction. The patient underwent surgical repair of the tendon followed by three months of rehabilitation, ultimately returning to his prior level of function and sport with 0/10 NPRS four months post-surgery. The decision pathway highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing complex injuries like distal triceps tendon tears, particularly when initial findings are inconclusive. Early surgical intervention was crucial for favorable outcomes. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, lateral elbow pain following a direct contusion to the elbow with pain spreading into the hand can be associated with a full thickness tear of the triceps. In addition to x-ray, completion of US imaging would have helped identifying the lesion earlier. If you are interested in distal triceps repair and injury, have a look at the whole database on the topic . URL : https://doi.org/10.2519/josptcases.2024.0045 Abstract No abstract available publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

  • Answer - What happened to the little finger of this writer?

    Bilateral spontaneous flexor digitorum profundus tendon rupture of the fifth digit: Case report and literature review. Li , et al. (2013) Level of Evidence: 5 Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 (2/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Diagnostic Topic : FDP - Spontaneous rupture This study describes the case of a 42-year-old right-handed male writer who injured their right little finger whilst lifting gardening tools. They reported immediate pain in the forearm and little finger. Objectively, they could not flex their little finger, especially at the dipj. Carpal tunnel view x-rays were normal. MRI revealered a hypoplastic but intact flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon and a ruptured FDP tendon within the palm (zone 6). The patient underwent FDP repair, which restores finger function. Four years later, a similar rupture occurred in the left small finger, likely due to the anatomic variations (hypoplastic FDS) which may predispose to increased biomechanical strain on the FDP tendon. The second rupture was treated similarly with satisfactory results. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, bilateral spontaneous flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon ruptures are rare injuries. An hypoplastic flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) may be in part responsible for the increase probability of injury . Ultrasound would be the most readily available option for hand therapist to confirm the diagnosis. URL : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-012-9490-5 Abstract Not available publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

  • "I am weak" - Does patients' perceived weakness link to their distress?

    Is the feeling of ‘weakness’ associated with unhelpful thoughts or distress regarding symptoms?. Davids, et al. (2025) Level of Evidence: 4 Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 (2/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Symptom Prevalence Topic : Weakness feeling - Emotional distress The study explores how patients use the term "weakness" to describe their symptoms, particularly in non-traumatic upper extremity conditions, and its connection to distress about symptoms. It finds that self-reported feelings of weakness are associated with higher levels of distress, pain intensity, and reduced capability. The research highlights that clinicians can interpret expressions of weakness as indicators of unhelpful thinking or emotional distress, which could inform comprehensive care strategies addressing both physical and mental health aspects. Distress regarding symptoms is identified as a modifiable factor that could improve patient outcomes. However, the study's findings may be limited by its focus on a predominantly white, educated urban population in the United States. The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing and acknowledging patients' emotional states to build trust and facilitate conversations about mental health support. Clinicians are encouraged to use expressions of weakness as cues for addressing both physical symptoms and emotional distress. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, when patients report feelings of "weakness", particularly in non-traumatic upper extremity conditions, this appears to be related to distress. I can think of this being true in at least two of my recent patients who were strong in their upper limb, but reported feeling weak. Of note, one is a refugee who had to leave all their family in the country of origin and the other struggles with mental health and addiction to drugs. Let me know if you have noted something similar in your patients who report feeling weak when indeed they are strong. URL : https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934241274134 Abstract This cross-sectional study looked for factors associated with feelings of weakness, level of capability and pain intensity in people seeking musculoskeletal speciality care for non-traumatic upper extremity conditions. A survey was conducted in 139 English-speaking adults, with 135 participants completing it. We found that greater intensity of feelings of weakness correlated with higher distress regarding symptoms and with older age. Lower level of capability was associated with greater intensity of feelings of weakness, greater distress regarding symptoms and older age. Higher pain intensity was associated with greater distress regarding symptoms and greater intensity of feelings of weakness. These findings suggest that the symptom of weakness may be a cue to explore potential distress about symptoms in addition to examining for actual weakness. This understanding could be a guide to a more compassionate approach to alleviate distress rather than focusing on neuromuscular pathophysiology alone, with the potential to reduce unnecessary tests and treatments. publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

  • When elbow pain stuns an athlete: What did imaging reveal?

    Level of Evidence: 5 Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 (2/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Diagnostic Study This paper describes a case of a 20-year-old collegiate football player who sustained a direct elbow contusion during play, leading to lateral elbow pain radiating into the right hand with an 8/10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Initial imaging included radiographs, which were normal. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is show below. What is it?

  • Does internet provide sound information for carpal tunnel, LE, and De Quervain?

    ZO14431 Does the internet provide accurate information about foregoing treatment for common musculoskeletal conditions. Simpson, et al. (2025) Level of Evidence: 5 Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 (2/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Diagnostic/Therapeutic Topic : Hand MSK conditions - Misinformation The study assessed the quality of internet-based health information for musculoskeletal conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain tendinopathy, and lateral epicondylitis. The authors found that many websites inaccurately suggest that surgery may become necessary for these conditions, misrepresenting the fact that it is often optional unless explicitly required for specific reasons (e.g., preventing permanent nerve damage in carpal tunnel syndrome). Similarly, the portrayal of symptom severity as a justification for surgery or further intervention is misleading, as discomfort and incapacity often correlate more with mindset and circumstances than pathophysiological severity. These misrepresentations can harm individuals by validating worst-case thinking and negative pain beliefs, which exacerbate discomfort and disability. The authors emphasise the need for clearer communication to avoid misinformation. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, the information available through internet on carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain tendinopathy, and lateral epicondylitis is largely incorrect. Websites provide misinformation by often exaggerating the necessity for surgery (e.g. surgery for tennis elbow ) and misrepresent symptom severity. Little information is provided on how mindset can affect symptoms rather than them being solely dependent on physical severity. Thus, anxiety and fear can often heighten the pain response . Limited evidence is available on the importance of trialing conservative treatments before considering surgery. It is therefore important for clinicians to discuss the information that patients have been gathering and helping them navigate their symptoms management by calling out what is misinformation. URL : https://doi.org/10.1177/23743735251323390 Abstract We studied how websites address the consequences of leaving common musculoskeletal conditions untreated, two that have a benign, self-limiting course without treatment (de Quervain tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis) and one that is expected to have progressive nerve deterioration without treatment (carpal tunnel syndrome). Using a common search engine, the first 120 websites addressing each diagnosis were rated for statements regarding disease progression and need for surgery without treatment. Most sites stated that disease would worsen without treatment: carpal tunnel syndrome (99%), lateral epicondylitis (91%), and de Quervain tendinopathy (72%). For each condition, approximately a third of the websites stated surgery might become necessary. The observation of inadequate distinction between conditions that deteriorate with treatment from those that resolve without treatment emphasizes the potential for harm by reinforcing common misconceptions such as “this is taking too long” or “this will not resolve without treatment” and by jeopardizing personal health agency. Producers of online medical information can add an item to their quality checklist that ensures that people are accurately informed about a choice to not seek treatment. publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

  • Do you believe it? CBT as an effective approach for musculoskeletal disorders?

    Cognitive behavioral therapy reduces unhelpful thinking among people with musculoskeletal symptoms: A meta-analysis. Patel, et al. (2024) Level of Evidence: 1a Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 👍 (3/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Therapeutic Topic : CBT - Musculoskeletal pain This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials, explored the role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in managing musculoskeletal conditions by addressing unhelpful mindsets related to pain. The results showed that CBT effectively reduces catastrophic thinking, kinesiophobia, and negative pain-related thoughts, with larger effects observed among individuals with higher baseline levels of these unhelpful mindsets. While CBT delivered by mental health providers showed greater effectiveness in reducing such mindsets compared to physical therapists, the study highlights the potential benefits of integrating psychologically informed physical therapy. Additionally, both group and individual CBT sessions, as well as online versus in-person delivery, were found to be equally effective, emphasising flexibility in treatment strategies. The research underscores the importance of early initiation of CBT to support recovery and suggests that combining CBT with exercises could enhance effectiveness, particularly for patients who may avoid mental health referrals due to stigma. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, CBT appears helpful in managing musculoskeletal conditions by targeting negative thought patterns related to pain, such as catastrophic thinking and kinesiophobia. If your patients have higher baseline levels of these thoughts, CBT is more likely to help. It also appears that initiating CBT early can prevent escalation of negative thought patterns. Reducing the level of fear avoidance may also reduce disability as they appear to be associated . URL : https://doi.org/10.1177/24705470241304252 Abstract Background: Greater unhelpful thinking is associated with greater musculoskeletal discomfort and incapability. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) fosters healthy thinking to help alleviate symptoms. Questions: In a meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCT) of CBT for unhelpful thinking among people with musculoskeletal symptoms, we asked: 1) Does CBT reduce unhelpful thinking and feelings of distress, and improve capability, in individuals with musculoskeletal symptoms? 2) Are outcomes affected by CBT delivery methods? Methods: Following QUOROM guidelines, we searched databases using keywords of pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, cognitive-behavioral therapy, musculoskeletal and variations. Inclusion criteria were RCT's testing CBT among people with musculoskeletal symptoms. Study quality was assessed with Cochrane Review of Bias 2. Meta-analysis of means and standard deviations was performed. Results: CBT led to modest reductions in catastrophic thinking (−0.44 CI: −0.76 to −0.12; P = .01, kinesiophobia (−0.60 CI: −1.07 to −0.14; P = .01) and anxiety symptoms (−0.23 CI: −0.36 to −0.09; P < .01) over six months compared to usual care. There were no improvements in levels capability (−0.28 CI: −0.56 to 0.01; P = .05). CBT led by mental health professionals reduced catastrophic thinking more than CBT led by other clinicians (QB Test = 4.73 P = .03). There were no differences between online and in-person sessions, group versus individual therapy, or surgical versus non-surgical interventions. Conclusion: The evidence that CBT delivered by various clinicians in various settings fosters healthier thinking in people presenting for care of musculoskeletal symptoms, supports comprehensive care of musculoskeletal illness. More research is needed to develop indications and interventions that also improve levels of capability. publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

  • What happened to the little finger of this writer?

    Level of Evidence: 5 Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 (2/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Diagnostic This study describes the case of a 42-year-old right-handed male writer who injured their right little finger whilst lifting gardening tools. They reported immediate pain in the forearm and little finger. Objectively, they could not flex their little finger, especially at the dipj. Carpal tunnel view x-rays were normal. What is it?

  • Do most paediatric trigger thumb resolve spontaneously within 5 yrs?

    The natural history of paediatric trigger thumbs. A prospective cohort study. Chew, et al. (2025) Level of Evidence: 2b Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 👍 (3/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Therapeutic/Prognostic Topic : Paediatric trigger thumb - Prognosis This study assessed the rate of spontaneous resolution of paediatric trigger thumb over time and identified factors influencing its treatment. It found that approximately 37% of children resolved spontaneously within five years, with a higher rate observed by eight years. The interphalangeal joint (ipj) angle was identified as a significant predictor, with thumbs presenting at less than 30 degrees more likely to resolve conservatively. Economic analysis highlighted cost savings associated with conservative management compared to surgery. However, the study’s findings are limited to a cohort of children whose parents opted for non-surgical treatment initially, potentially skewing results. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, pediatric trigger thumb resolves spontaneously in 40% of cases within five years. This number increases to 50% by eight years. A key predictor is the interphalangeal joint (ipj) angle: thumbs with an angle below 30 degrees are more likely to improve without surgery. This suggests that conservative management, such as observation and therapy, is a viable option for many children. Monitoring and conservative care are recommended for mild cases with low ipj angles. If there's no improvement after four years or if symptoms worsen, surgical intervention may be necessary. URL : https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934241295903 Abstract The aim of this study was to report the natural history of paediatric trigger thumbs, determining the rate and factors predictive of spontaneous resolution. A total of 62 patients presenting with 79 thumbs locked in flexion were observed for a mean of 4.2 years. The median age at presentation was 20.5 months. The spontaneous resolution rate was 37% at 5 years and 50% at 8 years of follow-up. Of the thumbs, 27% had undergone surgery at 5 years and 48% at 8 years. Thumbs that spontaneously resolved did so at a mean of 3.4 years. Thumbs presenting with an interphalangeal joint angle of less than 30° were likely to resolve spontaneously, with a sensitivity of 0.50 and specificity of 0.82. It is reasonable to offer observation alone for 4 to 5 years as the first line of management for paediatric trigger thumb. publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

  • Can clinicians accurately measure median and ulnar nerve CSA without specialised US training?

    Measurement of the cross-sectional area of the median and ulnar nerves by hand surgeons without ultrasound training: A prospective study. Portney, et al. (2025) Level of Evidence: 4 Follow recommendation: 👍 👍 (2/4 Thumbs up) Type of study: Diagnostic Topic : US imaging - Median nerve The study investigates whether orthopedic surgeons without ultrasound training can accurately measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median and ulnar nerves using US machines. The study compared measurements taken by an expert sonographers, a hand surgeon, and an orthopedic resident in 15 healthy volunteers. Non-inferiority margins were <2 mm². For the median nerve, both the hand surgeon and the resident achieve non-inferiority, with mean differences of 1.2 mm² each, indicating accurate measurements comparable to those of experts. However, for the ulnar nerve, neither clinicians met the criteria non-inferiority criteria. This suggests that measuring the ulnar nerve is more challenging due to factors such as transducer positioning and elbow anatomy. A limitation noted is the small sample size of healthy volunteers, which may not fully reflect real-world scenarios with symptomatic patients. Disclaimer: This publication was reviewed and assessed by one reviewer only and it reflects their interpretation. Readers should come to their own conclusions by reading the original article. Clinical Take Home Message : Based on what we know today, untrained orthopedic surgeons can measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve using ultrasound similarly to experts. However, their ability to measure the CSA of the ulnar nerve is less reliable, likely due to technical challenges such as transducer positioning and anatomical complexity. Keep in mind that whilst changes in CSA of the median nerve could be useful to make a diagnosis ( US changes are proxy for NCS ) of carpal tunnel syndrome, these are not predictive of response to treatment . URL : https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934251329264 Abstract Fifteen healthy subjects underwent ultrasound of their median and ulnar nerves by three examiners: an expert ultrasonographer and two surgeons without formal ultrasound training. The surgeons accurately measured the cross-sectional area of the median nerve, but not the ulnar nerve. publications = Total number of papers citing this research supporting = Citation statements supporting the findings mentioning = Neutral citation statements contrasting = Citation statements not supporting the findings

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