[Association of anthropometric factors and predisposition to carpal tunnel syndrome]

An observation of patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome shows distinct overweight, short stature and relatively thick hands in majority of them. Objective of this study was evaluation of the relationship of anthropometric and anatomical factors related to the hand with incidence of the syndrome.

The anthropometric measurements of body weight and height, as well as anatomical of wrist girth, hand length and volume were performed in 105 patients, 84 women (80%) and 21 men (20%), aged a mean of 59 years, with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. The same examinations were made in a control group consisting of 105 healthy individuals, age and gender matched.

Statistically significant differences (t-Student or U Mann-Whitney test, p < 0,05) were noted in all considered variables: patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were heavier (of a mean of 6%), shorter (of 1,5%) and had of a mean of 9% greater body mass index. They had also statistically significantly greater hand volume (of 13%), hand length (of 2%) and wrist girth (of 5%). Although all variables were statistically significantly greater in a study group, the clinically meaningful were considered only differences of hand volume, wrist girth, body weight and body mass index.

Individuals with overweight and with thicker than average hands and wrists are more predisposed to carpal tunnel syndrome.