The goal of this study was to clarify the role of body mass index (BMI) (weight
divided by square of height; kg/m2) and hand anthropometric measurements
as independent risk determinants in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome
(CTS) and their relationship to the severity of CTS. A total of 131 patients
with clinical symptoms of CTS and 131 normal subjects were enrolled, of
whom 121 were female both in the CTS cases and the controls. All cases were
electrodiagnostically confirmed and assigned to three severity groups. BMI,
wrist ratio, shape index, digit index and hand length/height ratio were measured
in all participants. Mean values for each item were compared between
cases and controls and severity subgroups. A logistic regression analysis was
performed to determine independent CTS risk factors. The mean values of BMI,
wrist ratio and shape index were significantly higher in all CTS patients and
females compared to controls, whereas in males only BMI and wrist ratio were
higher. The patients in the mild severity subgroup had a significantly lower age
and wrist ratio. BMI, wrist ratio and shape index were found to be independent
risk factors of CTS development in all patients and females. Our study showed
BMI, wrist ratio and shape index as independent risk factors for CTS. These
findings are of potential anatomical and clinical importance and outline the
risk factors of anatomical malfunction of the wrist in CTS.
(Folia Morphol 2008;
67: 36-42