Prevalence and severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) during pregnancy

Abstract

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the entrapment of Median nerve at wrist. Pregnancy can affect prevalence and severity of CTS. In this study frequency and severity of CTS in pregnancy was evaluated. In this study 100 pregnant women were evaluated by Hand symptoms, CTS provocation tests (Tinel and Phalen) and for definite diagnosis of CTS standard EDX studies were used. For this purpose sensory and motor distal latency of Median were measured and compared with ulnar nerve. 17% of pregnant women had CTS with 23.5% bilateral involvement and 17.5% severe CTS. Prevalence of hand symptom and clinical sign of CTS (phalen and tinel sign) were 36% and 26% respectively. Results indicated that prevalence of CTS in pregnant women was significant. Although hand signs and symptoms are useful, EDX study is more reliable.