Abstract
Purpose: Although carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) are the most common neuropathies in the upper extremities, there have been few studies describing the etiology and associated factors in the general population. The purpose of this study was to investigate and clarify the etiology and associated factors for CTS and CuTS in the Japanese general population. Methods: A total of 1875 participants, who participated in health checkups conducted in rural areas in Japan in 2010, were enrolled. The prevalence of CTS and CuTS was investigated. Logistic regression models were performed to examine the relationship between CTS and CuTS and correlated factors such as occupational status, smoking and alcohol preferences, and medical characteristics. Results: The overall prevalence of CTS and CuTS was 2.0% and 2.2%, respectively. With regards to CTS, female subjects showed 7.33-times higher risk of CTS compared with male subjects. In addition, hypertension was also at high risk of CTS (5.56-times higher in borderline and 4.55-times higher in definite hypertension compared with normal blood pressure). However, there were no significant associations between CuTS and age, gender, occupation, smoking and alcohol preferences, or metabolic factors. Conclusions: CTS was associated with female gender and hypertension, whereas there was no obvious risk factor contributing to the onset of CuTS.
Highlights
It has been reported that peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes involve chronic irritation and compression where the nerves pass through anatomical stenotic lesions and fibro-osseous canals
carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was associated with female gender and hypertension, whereas there was no obvious risk factor contributing to the onset of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS)
The subjects included in this study were more likely to be older, male, smokers, and have a higher prevalence of hypertension history
Summary
It has been reported that peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes involve chronic irritation and compression where the nerves pass through anatomical stenotic lesions and fibro-osseous canals. Various peripheral nerve neuropathies have been reported, and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) have been reported as the most common peripheral nerve disorders [1] [2]. The results of almost all those studies suggest that CTS occurs more commonly in women, with an annual incidence of 1.5 per 1000 compared to 0.5 per 1000 for men [3]. A CTS prevalence of 2.3% to 4.3% has been reported in two large cohorts of French workers [4]. Male gender predisposes to CuTS with an incidence of 24.7 per 100,000 people per year in the general population [5], and, depending on the case definition, prevalence rates in the general population have been estimated at between 7% - 19% [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
