University of Southern California
University of Southern California
MSOP lab identity

Completed Research
Sonographic Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

SECTS

Compression of the median nerve (asterisks) while holding a dental scaling instrument

Together with researchers in the Laboratory for Investigatory Imaging at The Ohio State University, our research teams combine expertise in diagnostic sonography with clinical evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders to develop and evaluate novel, cutting-edge methods. Collaborative research projects have evaluated the utility of quantitative & qualitative grey-scale, Doppler, and contrast-enhanced techniques to investigate these novel methods and techniques for diagnosis (OSU research) and intervention (USC research).

The two programs have obtained grant funding, published numerous manuscripts, and given several national and international presentations.

Funding

Investigation into Staging CTS Using Portable Ultrasound and Doppler Imaging
R21-OH009907 (PI: Evans, Co-I: Roll)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health / Centers for Disease Control
Total Funding: $265,834
Funding Period: 9/1/2010 – 8/31/2012

Publications

Roll, S. C., Volz, K. R., Fahy, C. M., & Evans, K. D. (2015). Carpal tunnel syndrome severity staging using sonographic and clinical measures. Muscle & Nerve, 51(6), 838-845. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.24478 Show abstract

Evans, K. D., Volz, K. R., Pargeon, R. L., Fout, L. T., Buford, J., & Roll, S. C. (2014). Use of contrast enhanced sonography to investigate intraneural vascularity in a cohort of macaca fascicularis with suspected median mononeuropathy. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 33(1), 103-109. https://doi.org/10.7863/ultra.33.1.103 Show abstract

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., Volz, K. R., & Sommerich, C. M. (2013). Longitudinal design for sonographic measurement of median nerve swelling with controlled exposure to physical work using an animal model. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 39(12), 2492-2497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2013.08.008 Show abstract

Evans, K. D., Volz, K. R., Roll, S. C., Hutmire, C. M., Pargeon, R. L., Buford, J. A., & Sommerich, C. M. (2013). Establishing an imaging protocol for detection of vascularity within the median nerve using contrast enhanced ultrasound. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 29(5), 201-207. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756479313503211 Show abstract

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., Li, X., Sommerich, C. M., & Case-Smith, J. (2013). Importance of tissue morphology relative to patient reports of symptoms and functional limitations resulting from median nerve pathology. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67(1), 64-72. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2013.005785 Show abstract

Evans, K. D., Roll, S. C., Volz, K. R., & Freimer, M. (2012). Relationship between intraneural vascular flow measured with sonography and carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis based on electrodiagnostic testing. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 31(5), 729-736. Full text Show abstract

Evans, K. D., Volz, K. R., Hutmire, C., & Roll, S. C. (2012). Morphologic characterization of intraneural flow associated with median nerve pathology. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 28(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756479311426777 Show abstract

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., Li, X., Freimer, M., & Sommerich, C. M. (2011). Screening for carpal tunnel syndrome using ultrasonography. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 30(12), 1657-1667. Full text Show abstract

Roll, S. C., Case-Smith, J., & Evans, K. D. (2011). Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography versus electromyography in carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review of literature. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 37(10), 1539-1553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2011.06.011 Show abstract

Roll, S. C., & Evans, K. D. (2011). Sonographic representation of bifid median nerve and persistent median artery. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 27(2), 89-94. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756479311399763 Show abstract

Roll, S. C., & Evans, K. D. (2009). Feasibility of using a hand-carried sonographic unit for investigating median nerve pathology. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 25(5), 241-249. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756479309345284 Show abstract

Presentations

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., & Sommerich, C. M. (2014). Longitudinal changes in median nerve morphology due to physical work exposure. Paper presentation at 3rd Annual Occupational Therapy Summit of Scholars, Philadelphia, PA.

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., & Sommerich, C. M. (2013). Longitudinal analysis of grey scale imaging and electromyography in an animal model of carpal tunnel syndrome. New Investigator Award Competition Presentation at Annual Convention of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, New York, NY.

Fahy, C., & Roll, S. C. (2012). Sonographic evaluation of median nerve excursion. Poster presented at Annual Conference of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Seattle, WA.

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., & Case-Smith, J. (2012). Predicting symptoms and decreased function due to carpal tunnel syndrome with sonographic imaging. Research platform presentation at 92nd Annual Conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Indianapolis, IN.

Evans, K. D., Volz, K. R., Pargeon, R., & Roll, S. C. (2012). Musculoskeletal sonography: Evaluation of the carpal tunnel and median nerve. Research paper presented at International Foundation for Sonography Education and Research Symposium, Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., Freimer, M., & Sommerich, C. M. (2012, April). Visualization of changes in the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome. The American Occupational Therapy Association, Indianapolis, IN.

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., & Case-Smith, J. (2012, April). Predicting symptoms and decreased function due to carpal tunnel syndrome with sonographic imaging. The American Occupational Therapy Association, Indianapolis, IN.

Evans, K. D., Volz, K. R., Roll, S. C., Sommerich, C. M., & Litts, C. (2011, August). Spectral doppler measurement of perineural flow within the median nerve compared to nerve conduction studies. World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, Vienna, Austria.

Evans, K. D., Volz, K. R., Roll, S. C., Buford, J. A., & Sommerich, C. M. (2011, August). Ultrasound contrast enhanced interrogation of the median nerve to document perineural vascular flow in an animal model. World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, Vienna, Austria.

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., Freimer, M. L., Case-Smith, J., & Sommerich, C. M. (2011, August). Relationship of median nerve ultrasonographic measures to anthropometric and demographic factors for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, Vienna, Austria.