Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in an Adolescent With Obesity.

PURPOSE: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is typically found in adults and may be associated with a variety of metabolic conditions including obesity. Obesity is a growing problem among today's youth, and adult diseases often associated with obesity are now being found in a younger population. This case study describes a young adolescent girl with obesity and CTS.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: A history and examination were completed before electrophysiologic testing, and the patient had no evidence of any contributory pathology.

STATEMENT OF

CONCLUSIONS

There was electrophysiologic evidence of bilateral median nerve compromise at the wrist. The patient's diagnosis of CTS may be obesity related.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Management of patients with obesity and CTS should also include education about weight management in addition to traditional interventions. This may be even more important for a child or adolescent with obesity and CTS.