Efficiency of the Boston Questionnaire in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Comparing Scores with Provocation Tests and Electrophysiological Studies

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We aimed to make a comparison of Boston Questionnaire scores with provocation tests and findings of electrophysiological studies in patients with a carpal tunnel syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Boston Questionnaire was applied preoperatively for 248 hands in 142 patients with an idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Boston Questionnaire scores were compared with provocation tests (Phalen's test, Tinel's sign, compression test and hand elevation test) and electrophysiological findings. RESULTS: Correlation study between the Boston Questionnaire scores and electrophysiological findings showed that the electrophysiological findings correlated more with symptom severity score (Spearman coefficient, 0.545; p<0.01) than with functional status score (Spearman coefficient, 0.307; p<0.01). Symptom severity score and functional status scores of the Boston Questionnaire correlated more linearly with the hand elevation test than with other provocation tests. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a high correlation of Boston Questionnaire scores with the electrophysiological findings and the hand elevation test.