Abstract

Despite its high frequency, the diagnosis of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome is a subject of controversy. The electromyogram, the only objective examination, is rather unreliable in clinical practice despite climatic or instrumental justifications, or experienced operators. The objective of this pilot project is to demonstrate that measurement of the increase in force followed by its reduction in the precision pinch during the manipulation of objects constitutes a reliable diagnostic tool for motor deficits of the median nerve, and that, very probably, this reduction in force during fine prehensile movements precedes the reduction in maximum force.
This project falls within the framework of the REPAR – IRSST partnership agreement.