An evaluation of gender, body mass index, wrist circumference and wrist ratio as independent risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of gender, body mass index (BMI), wrist ratio (WR) and wrist circumference as independent risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to analyze the strength of association of these factors.

METHODS

We have undertaken a case-control study in 128 CTS patients and 109 controls. Based on clinical and electrophysiologic criteria, 109 female and 19 male CTS patients as well as 62 female and 47 male control subjects were selected from patients and their relatives referred to our hospital. In total, 179 hands with CTS in three groups of severity (mild, moderate and severe) were examined. Height, weight, BMI, wrist width, depth, circumference and ratio were measured in all patients and control group. Mean values of different risk factors for CTS group and controls were measured. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate odds ratio of different risk factors.

RESULTS

The mean values for BMI and WR were greater in CTS patients than in the subject group. Thirty-four, 89 and 57 patients had mild, moderate and severe CTS, respectively. Mean age, BMI, wrist circumference and ratio were not statistically significant in the three groups. Female gender, increased BMI and increased WR had odds ratio of 9.95, 1.75 and 1.12, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that female gender, obesity and square wrists are independent risk factors for CTS.