Axillary F central latency [AFCL] in carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS]: a method to disguise double crush syndrome

ABSTRACT

The proximal and distal segments of the median nerve were studied in control subjects and in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS] using the technique of axillary F central latency [AFCL] together with the conventional motor conduction studies. Among 120 patients with definite CTS, there was a significant delay over the proximal segment in 22 patients [18.3%], the forearm median motor conduction was delayed in only 12 patients [10%]. In 7 cases out of the latter there was a delay of AFCL. This study proved that the technique of AFCL is a useful measure to identify a concomitant proximal nerve entrapment in patients with distal median nerve entrapment due to CTS [the presence of a double crush syndrome