Abstract
Background
The upper limb neurodynamic test for median nerve (ULNT1) is commonly applied for assessment of cervical radiculopathy (CR). However, the diagnostic accuracy of ULNT1 in diagnosing CR remains unclear.
Objective
This study aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy of the ULNT1 for the CR.
Data sources
Four databases were searched for relevant studies published up to April 30, 2023.
Study selection
Cross-sectional or cohort studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of ULNT1 for CR were included.
Data synthesis
The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) checklist. A bivariate random-effects regression model was used for the data synthesis. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.
Results
A total of 592 references were identified, and five studies with 465 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall quality of the body of evidence was very low across studies. Heterogeneity of studies was high. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the ULNT1 were 0.69 (95% CI 0.50–0.83) and 0.54 (95% CI 0.36–0.71), respectively. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve area was 0.65 (95% CI 0.61–0.69).
Conclusion
There is low certainty of evidence that the ULNT1 has only fair accuracy in diagnosing CR. The ULNT1 was recommended as an add-on test after the existing diagnostic pathway to enhance diagnostic accuracy further. High-quality studies which follow the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy and the QUADAS-2; a revised tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy, are needed.
Systematic Review Registration Number
PROSPERO: CRD42021255686
Contribution of the paper
- There was significant heterogeneity in the sensitivities and specificities of the ULNT1.
- The pooled sensitivity of the ULNT1 was higher than the pooled specificity.
The ULNT1 has fair diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing CR.