Carpal tunnel syndrome in wheelchair users

Background: Compression of median nerve at carpal tunnel or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. Due to over use of hand in wheelchair users, it is possible that carpal tunnel syndrome be more prevalent in them. Complications of disease can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. Purpose: Comparison of relative frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome in wheelchair users with control group. Method and Materials: In this study, electrodiagnostic studies performed in 44 wheelchair user war handicaps and 44 control cases to detect carpal tunnel syndrome and its severity in them. Results: From 44 wheelchair users, 19 (43.2%) cases had carpal tunnel syndrome. Severity of syndrome was mild in 12 (27.3%), moderate in 6 (13.6%) and sever in 1 (2.3%) patients. In control group, only 2 (4.6%) cases had carpal tunnel syndrome with mild severity in 1 (2.3%) and moderate severity in another (2.3%). Frequency of CTS was significantly greater in wheelchair users (P < 0.0001). Mean (SD) sensory peak latency was 3.7 (0.58) ms in wheelchair users and 3.1 (0.24) ms in control group (P < 0.0001). Carpal tunnel syndrome was bilateral in 62% of affected cases. Conclusion: Carpal tunnel syndrome is significantly more frequent in wheelchair users and its severity is frequently mild to moderate in them. Then periodic check-up of wheelchair users for this syndrome is recommended