This study is being done to determine the clinical relevance of a non-invasive clinical exam (Scratch Collapse Test) with respect to electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) when diagnosing upper extremity nerve compression syndromes.
New adult patients, males and females over the age of 18, who have been referred to the SIU Plastic Surgery Clinic for upper extremity nerve compression syndrome and, in the last 2 years, have had or are willing to have an EMG/NCS performed on one or both upper extremities.
Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire and will be evaluated independently by 3 researchers (hand therapist, resident, and attending physician) using the Scratch Collapse Test. Previous EMG/NCS results will also be collected for comparison.
The study will take place during the participant’s first clinic visit.
Please contact Jennifer Koechle, MPH, at (217) 545-7014 or email jkoechle@siumed.edu
Michael W. Neumeister, MD