Ultrasound is a diagnostic technique to evaluate the median nerve and the contents of the carpal tunnel. In light of the latest development in ultrasound technology, it is thought to be ideal for the evaluation of the median nerve and the carpal tunnel, eventually leading to the development of a new diagnostic technique in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The anatomy of the median nerve can be clearly defined, accurate measurement of its dimensions can be obtained, and its abnormalities can be determined by ultrasound. There is a high degree of correlation between the conduction abnormalities of the median nerve and the measurement of its cross-sectional area by ultrasound. Various disease severity in CTS can also be illustrated by ultrasound, giving confident results for treatment planning and following the patients with CTS. Based on these results, ultrasound should be strongly considered as a new, alternative diagnostic modality for the evaluation of CTS. (J Korean Assoc Pain Med 2006;5:81-85)

KeywordsCarpal tunnel syndrome, Ultrasound, Median nerve