Nerve conduction studies are considered to be the investigation of choice for the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However they are expensive and can be painful. We scored patients based on a ten point scoring system; four symptoms (Katz Hand Diagram – Classic and Probable pattern for tingling and numbness, nocturnal paresthesia, bilateral symptoms), four signs (weak thumb abduction test, Tinel sign, Phalen sign, Hypoalgesia in median nerve territory) and two risk factors (age more than 40 years and female sex). This was done in an effort to predict the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome and to correlate it with nerve conduction studies. A prospective study of 59 patients was performed between May 2009 and March 2010. For every patient in the study we completed a scoring system based on ten points and correlated it with the severity (normal, mild, moderate and severe) result from the nerve conduction studies.Introduction
Method
“Spine Class” was organised at Southport Hospitals NHS Trust. The course was awarded 6 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points. We propose a new method for assessing the effectiveness of educational courses by pre and post testing and participant satisfaction. The course was attended by 64 delegates (49 Allied Health Professionals e.g. Physiotherapists and 15 Physicians). 21 lectures were planned for the day. The lecturers were asked to submit 2 True/False questions (TFQs), a total of 42 questions. Questions were answered prior to the course and immediately after. The lectures were evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5.Introduction:
Materials and Methods
