Test characteristics for history and physical examination for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome*
| Test | Number of studies | Sensitivity range | Specificity range | +LR (95% CI) | −LR (CI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Diagnostic terms defined in glossary. | |||||
| †LRs are not combined. | |||||
| Square wrist sign | 2 | 47% to 69% | 73% to 83% | 2.7 (2.2 to 3.4) | 0.5 (0.4 to 0.8) |
| Classic or probable Katz hand diagram | 1 | 64% | 73% | 2.4 (1.6 to 3.5) | 0.5 (0.3 to 0.7)† |
| Hypalgesia | 2 | 15% to 51% | 85% to 93% | 3.1 (2.0 to 2.5) | 0.7 (0.5 to 1.1) |
| Weak thumb abduction | 2 | 63% to 66% | 62% to 66% | 1.8 (1.4 to 2.3) | 0.5 (0.4 to 0.7) |
| Phalen sign | 8 | 10% to 91% | 33% to 86% | 1.3 (1.1 to 1.6) | 0.7 (0.6 to 0.9) |
| Nocturnal paresthesia | 3 | 51% to 84% | 27% to 68% | 1.2 (1.0 to 1.4) | 0.7 (0.5 to 0.9) |