Shear wave elastography of transverse carpal ligament increased with simulated carpal tunnel pressure

Elevation of carpal tunnel pressure is known to be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. This study aimed to correlate the shear wave elastography in the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) with carpal tunnel pressures using a cadaveric model.

Eight human cadaveric hands were dissected to evacuate the tunnels. A medical balloon was inserted into each tunnel and connected to a pressure regulator to simulate tunnel pressure in the range of 0-210 mmHg with an increment of 30 mmHg. Shear wave velocity and modulus was measure in the middle of TCL.

SWV and SWE were significantly dependent on the pressure levels (p < 0.001), and positively correlated to the tunnel pressure (SWV: R = 0.997, p < 0.001; SWE: R = 0.996, p < 0.001). Regression analyses showed linear relationship SWV and pressure (SWV = 4.359 + 0.0263 * Pressure, R² = 0.994) and between SWE and pressure (SWE = 48.927 + 1.248 * Pressure, R² = 0.996).

The study indicated that SWV and SWE in the TCL increased linearly as the tunnel pressure increased within the current pressure range. The findings suggested that SWV/SWE in the TCL has the potential for prediction of tunnel pressure and diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.