Epidemiological Study and Clinico-Electrodiagnostic Correlation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Abstract

Aim: This study analyzes the epidemiological distribution and the clinical-electric co-relation in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
 Methods:100 consecutive patients referred to our out-patient service for carpal tunnel syndrome were included in this study. The clinical examination of the stage of CTS and electrophysiological study (EPS) was conducted and the BCTQ questionnaire was administered with an average of 15 minutes for each. The link between the electrical stage and the total points of the questionnaire was analyzed by the Bivariate Correlation analysis by finding the Pearson coefficient and the level of significance according to the Two-Tailed test of significance.
 Results: It was found that the female-male ratio was 3.5 to 1 with the predominance of the age 51-60 -year-old. 35% were overweight and 17% were obese. The first predominant symptoms were paresthesia, tingling sensation in their fingertips and pain, which prevailed at night. It was seen that the highest percentage was in those with not more than secondary education. There was no significant relation with family history and CTS. The most common comorbidities were arterial hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis. 43% were referred to the neurologist by the family doctor. In the bivariate analysis a statistically significant link was found with p<0.01 with positive correlation r=0.311for the right hand and p <0.01, r = 0.345 for the left hand.
 Conclusions: There is still a considerable number of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage, with faded opportunity for maximal benefit from timely treatment. This syndrome is more frequent in women with BMI> 25 and in certain professions that request repetitive flexion of the grip. Family doctor should be more alert on diagnosing this common syndrome in an early stage.