I’ve been struggling with pretty bad carpal tunnel symptoms for several months now. My ortho is suggesting I go through with the release surgery because non-surgical options haven’t worked. He mentioned that because it’s diagnosed clinically, an EMG or nerve study isn’t strictly necessary, though he’ll order one if I prefer. Did anyone here get the procedure done without having a nerve study first?
Certain insurance providers require that test before they’ll agree to pay for the operation.
Based on my symptoms and an ultrasound that showed some median nerve thickening, I was initially diagnosed with carpal tunnel. After months of physical therapy and wearing braces, things actually got much worse and the issues moved to my legs. I saw a neurologist for a nerve conduction study, which proved it wasn’t carpal tunnel at all. I’m still trying to figure out the root cause. I’d be wary of getting surgery unless an NCS or imaging definitely confirms it’s CTS.
I’d recommend getting the test. I recently had one; while it’s not exactly fun, it’s certainly manageable. I had symptoms that felt like carpal tunnel, but it turned out to be an impingement in my shoulder. It would be a shame to have surgery for the wrong issue.