Changes in the Thickness of Median Nerves Due to Excessive Use of Smartphones

Abstract

[Purpose] The present study was intended to examine the effect of excessive use of smartphones on the carpal tunnel and median nerve in the wrist. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire was used to determine the degree of addiction to smartphones in 125 normal adults who used smartphones; then, ultrasonography of the median nerve, Phalen’s tests, and reverse Phalen’s tests were conducted on the subjects. [Results] Based on the results of the experiment, the thickness of the median nerve did not change in relation to duration of smartphone use per day, duration of continuous smartphone use, periods of the use of smartphones, or the degree of addiction; however, statistically significant shortening of time to wrist tingling was identified in the Phalen’s tests and reverse Phalen’s tests conducted to examine clinical symptoms. [Conclusion] In conclusion, excessive use of smartphones may act as a cause to trigger carpal tunnel syndrome due to pressure on the carpal tunnel in the wrist joint; thus, precautions are necessary when using smartphones.