Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hand Configuration

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2002;4(1):40-44.
Published online May 10, 2002.

Abstract

Objective : Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is commonly encountered entrapment neuropathy, and results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Although the majority of cases occur without obvious cause, hand injury, several medical conditions, repetitive wrist movements in an occupational setting and relatively square wrist shape have all been associated with CTS. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relation between hand configuration and the occurrence of CTS. Method : Based on electrodiagnositc criteria, 20 female subjects with CTS and 20 healthy female controls were selected and their external hand dimensions were measured. Results : Our results showed that the palm length and third digit length were significantly shorter and the palm width larger in the subjects with CTS compared with controls. The hand ratio [(palm + third digit length)/palm width] was significantly correlated with median nerve conduction measurements. Conclusion : The hand ratio may be a simple and useful predictive measurement in determining the tendency for CTS.

Key Words: Carpal tunnel syndrome, Hand configuration, Hand dimensions, Median nerve, Electrodiagnositc evaluation