Body mass index and carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been correlated to body mass index (BMI) increase. The present study was done in a Brazilian population to compare BMI values in the following groups: first, CTS vs. controls subjects, and, second CTS groups of increasing median sensory latency (MSL). According to MSL>/=3.7 ms (wrist-index finger, 14 cm), median/ulnar sensory latency difference>/=0.5 ms (ring finger, 14 cm) or median palm-to-wrist (8 cm) latency>/=2.3 ms (all peak-measured), 141 cases (238 hands) had CTS confirmation. All were symptomatic; previous surgery and polyneuropathy were excluded; mean age 50.3; 90.8% female. Controls subjects (n=243; mean age 43.0; 96. 7% female) and CTS cases had BMI calculated (kg/m2). Controls subjects had a mean BMI of 25.43+/-4.80 versus 28.38+/-4.69 of all CTS cases, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The CTS groups of increasing MSL severity do not show additional increase in BMI (28.44 for incipient, 28.27 for mild, 28.75 for moderate and 29.0 for severe). We conclude that CTS cases have a significant correlation with higher BMI when compared to controls subjects; however, higher BMI do not represent a statistically significant increasing risk for more severe MSL.