Objective:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is diagnosed by clinical findings, physical examination and electromyography (EMG). Body mass index (BMI) is an important risk factor in the development of CTS. Numerous factors such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, hormone replacement therapy and corticosteroid use cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Metabolic syndrome components have been reported as the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, there are few studies on the relationship between CTS and metabolic syndrome. In this study, we aimed to reveal the relationship between metabolic syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods:

A total of 160 (30 male and 130 female) right-hand dominant patients, who were referred to our EMG laboratory with CTS pre-diagnosis and electrophysiologically diagnosis verification of CTS, were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as those with metabolic syndrome and those without metabolic syndrome, according to the 2005 International Diabetes Federation metabolic syndrome diagnosis criteria. Age, gender, dominant and affected hands, height, and weight of all patients were recorded. The relation between metabolic syndrome and CTS was statistically compared in patients grouped as mild, moderate and severe according to electrophysiological evaluation.

Results:

Mean age of the patients included in the study was 46.49±11.75 years, and 130 (81.3%) of them were female. Average BMI of all patients was 29.80±5.28. Of the patients, 58.8% (n=94) was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome was present in 83 (75.5%) out of 110 patients with electrophysiologically diagnosed CTS. Metabolic syndrome was found in 11 (22%) of 50 patients with no CTS electrophysiologically. A significant relationship was found between metabolic syndrome and CTS.

Conclusion:

As a result, the metabolic syndrome is higher in patients electrophysiologically diagnosed with CTS. In obese patients with CTS, the risk of having metabolic syndrome should be considered, and correct referral should be made in addition to the treatment that may be applied for CTS.

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, metabolic syndrome, body mass index