Anthropometric characteristics as prerequisites for the development of primary carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb. The etiology of this carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown. All previous studies of this issue were aimed at studying the external and internal risk factors, accompanied by narrowing of the carpal tunnel and compression of the median nerve. However, these studies were carried out without taking into account data regarding the anthropometric parameters of the hand.Material and methods. The study involved 48 participants of both sexes, divided into 2 groups. Group 1 –  28 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, group 2 – 20 people – healthy volunteers. Participants of both groups underwent the following measurements of both upper extremities: wrist perimeter – level of entry into the carpal canal (cm), perimeter of the hand - level of exit from the carpal canal along the Kaplan line (cm), length of the carpal canal (cm). BMI (body mass index) was calculated and interpreted taking into account age and gender. The obtained morphometric data were subjected to systematization and statistical analysis.Results. It has been proven that the likelihood of developing primary carpal tunnel syndrome increases after the age 57 years old and with BMI values of more than 30. Also, the risk of developing primary carpal tunnel syndrome is higher with a hand perimeter of more than 22 cm (exit from the carpal tunnel) and a carpal tunnel length of less than 3 cm.Conclusion. Age, body mass index, hand and carpal tunnel circumference significantly affect the occurrence of primary carpal tunnel syndrome, which allows us to consider them as predisposing risk factors.