Current practice in the use of nerve conduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome by surgeons in the Netherlands

The current practice in and the opinion about the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome by surgeons in the Netherlands was evaluated in respect of the extent to which electrodiagnostic studies are used or needed to confirm the diagnosis. Questionnaires were sent to all Dutch surgeons who operate on patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The response rate was 47% (324 out of 686). The majority of neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons seldom operate without electrodiagnostic confirmation in line with the Dutch consensus guideline on this subject. In contrast, plastic surgeons operate more often on patients with clinically defined carpal tunnel syndrome even with normal electrodiagnostic studies. Knowledge of these strikingly different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and opinions may influence diagnostic and referral behaviour of clinical neurologists and others.