Carpal tunnel syndrome and associated entrapment mononeuropathies

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to assess the electroneurophysiological findings and associated entrapment mononeuropathies in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome [C.T.S.]. One hundred and fifty patients [122 females and 28 males] with clinical suspicion of C.T.S. were included in the study. A questionnaire containing all important information was completed for each case. Nerve conduction study for median nerves and other peripheral nerves was performed according to criteria of Hull Royal Infirmary, using computerized EMG machine. About 80% of referred cases were in the age range of 21-50 years and 70% of them had symptoms for less than 2 years, 120 [80%] of referred cases showed positive C.T.S., 108 [72%] of positive cases had right C.T.S. whereas 44% had left C.T.S. The most common associated entrapment mononeuropathies were right and/or left ulnar tunnel syndrome [U.T.S.]. All those with right U.T.S. were right handed, in addition to that 7% of right handed patients had left U.T.S. Entrapment of other peripheral nerves were also reported but at different rates. Parasthesia / numbness of hand [s] was the major presenting symptom and 58% of positive cases had symptoms other than those of C.T.S.. Out of 99 positive females, 79 were housewives and 33% of positive males were building constructors. Major peripheral nerves are liable to compression in some points along their course. Many occupations may affect more than one peripheral nerve, rendering them vulnerable to entrapment. When performing Nerve Conduction Studies [N.C.S.] for suspected cases with C.T.S., it is important to do N.C.S. for other nerves to confirm or exclude their entrapment