AANS Beyond 2021: Scientific Papers Collection-Assessment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using Magnetization Transfer Ratio Imaging

Assessment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using Magnetization Transfer Ratio Imaging

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Stephen Wilden, a third-year medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, discusses the use of magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) imaging in assessing carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by compression of the median nerve, leading to symptoms such as numbness and pain in specific fingers. Current post-surgical monitoring options are limited, and surgeons often rely on a "watch and wait" approach, which can delay decision-making. Stephen explores the feasibility of using MTR to monitor nerve regeneration after surgery. Initial findings suggest that MTR is sensitive enough to detect changes in myelin content, making it a potential biomarker for determining nerve regeneration. Further research is ongoing to validate these findings and improve the specificity of MTR scans.

Keywords

Stephen Wilden

magnetization transfer ratio

MTR imaging

carpal tunnel syndrome

nerve regeneration