Aetiology of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome: the role of lumbrical muscles and tool size on carpal tunnel pressures.
A cadaveric study was undertaken to investigate the effect of tool size and lumbrical muscle incursion on carpal tunnel pressure during active grip. Active grip was simulated by securing the specimens on an apparatus and loading each of the eight finger flexor tendons with 1 kg each. Carpal tunnel pressures were measured with and without 1- and 2-in. tubing in the hand and before and after removing the lumbrical muscles. Both variables, tool size and lumbrical muscles, were found to have a statistically significant effect on carpal tunnel pressure. Higher pressure changes were found for the 2-in. tubing, compared with 1-in. tubing, but this difference was not statistically significant.
Cobb
T K
TK
Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Cooney
W P
WP
An
K N
KN
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology