Influence of the thickness of the transverse carpal ligament in carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine if the thickness of the transverse carpal ligament measured by T2 axial magnetic resonance imaging actually influences the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome. Material and method94 patients between January 2015 and June 2016, of whom 28 had carpal tunnel syndrome, underwent magnetic resonance imaging, 37 with discomfort in different carpus regions without symptoms of carpal tunnel and 29 healthy subjects. Two observers performed 3 measurements in 3 different levels, and in the 3 groups of patients. ResultsNo statistically significant differences in transverse carpal ligament thickness measurements between the carpal tunnel syndrome group and the group without carpal tunnel involvement became apparent, but statistical differences between the control group and the carpal tunnel syndrome group, and between the control group and the group without involvement of the carpal tunnel were observed. In both these groups, the thickness of the transverse ligament was higher than in the control group. DiscussionAn increase in the thickness of the transverse ligament in was found in this study in subjects with involvement of carpal tunnel syndrome as evidenced by numerous studies in the literature. There is no certain causative factor, but rather a set of facts that make onset of the syndrome possible in a specific group of patients. ConclusionCarpal tunnel syndrome is multifactorial. The thickness of the transverse ligament does not directly affect the onset of symptoms.