Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Finger position alters the median nerve properties within the carpal tunnel: a pre-post MRI comparison study
Mohammed Shaban Nadar1, Mohsen H Dashti, Jigimon Cherian
1Occupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, Jabriah, Kuwait.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare the properties of the median nerve and the flexor retinaculum within the carpal tunnel with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) under two conditions: (a) fingers extended, and (b) fingers in an isometric squeeze grip.
Methods:
Thirty-Four volunteers participated in this experimental study. The flexor retinaculum and median nerve characteristics were measured during both conditions using MRI.
Results:
The isometric squeeze grip condition resulted in significant palmar bowing of the flexor retinaculum (t = 7.67, p<.001), a significant flattening-ratio of the median nerve (t = 4.308, p<.001), and no significant decrease in the cross-sectional area of the median nerve (t = 2.508, p = 0.017).
Conclusion:
The isometric squeeze grip condition resulted in anatomical deformations within the carpal tunnel, possibly explained by the lumbrical muscles incursion into the carpal tunnel during finger flexion.
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