CTS-6 Score Calculator
Estimates the likelihood of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in adults using symptoms and physical exam findings.
CTS-6 Score
0
Low likelihood
Interpretation used here: scores ≤5 suggest lower likelihood, scores 5.5–12 suggest intermediate likelihood, and scores >12 suggest high likelihood of CTS.
CTS-6 stands for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-6. It is a clinical diagnostic score used in adults to estimate how likely carpal tunnel syndrome is based on symptoms and physical exam findings. The 2024 AAOS guideline supports using the CTS-6 as a diagnostic tool for CTS.
It uses 6 weighted findings:
- numbness mainly in the median nerve distribution
- nighttime numbness
- thenar weakness or atrophy
- positive Phalen test
- reduced 2-point discrimination
- positive Tinel sign. The commonly cited weights are 3.5, 4, 5, 5, 4.5, and 4 points respectively, for a total possible score of 26.
How it is usually interpreted:
- 0–5: lower likelihood of CTS
- >5 to 12: intermediate likelihood
- >12: high likelihood of CTS.
A simple way to think about it: the higher the CTS-6 score, the more likely the patient has carpal tunnel syndrome. It helps support diagnosis, but it is still interpreted alongside the full history, exam, and sometimes additional testing.
