Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Entrapments among Wheelchair Users

ABSTRACT

Pain, numbness, and weakness in the upper extremity are the common problems among wheelchair users. The prevalence of nerve injury of the upper extremity in the wheelchair users has been reported variously by many authors in other nations. To determine the prevalence, location, and risk factors of upper extremity peripheral nerve entrapment among wheelchair users, we performed clinical and electrodiagnostic assessments on both upper extremities of wheelchair users (n=49) and able-bodied controls (n=49). The prevalence of nerve entrapment of the upper extremity among the wheelchair users was 15.6% according to clinical criteria, and 46.9% according to electrodiagnostic criteria. Electrodiagnostically, median nerve entrapment was identified in 28.6% of tested cases, and ulnar nerve entrapment was identified in 22.4% of tested cases among wheelchair users. The carpal tunnel was the most common site of nerve entrapment. The duration of wheelchair use was found to be correlated negatively with median wrist to palm and wrist to digit sensory conduction velocity, whereas age correlated positively with distal median and ulnar motor latency.