The Motor Conduction Velocities of the Median and Ulnar Nerves in Relation to the Carpal Tunnel Diameters in the Male and Female Controls and Carpet Weavers

Abstract

The relation of the carpal tunnel (CT) diameters (depth and width) to the motor conduction velocities of the median and ulnar nerves were studied for the right and left hands of the male and female controls and carpet weavers. The CT depth and width were measured by the computerized axial tomography. The mean CT depth and width of the left hand were found to be significantly greater in carpet weavers than in controls for women; the mean CT depth from the left hand was significantly greater in controls than in carpet weavers for men. The mean nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of the ulnar nerve was significantly greater in carpet weavers than in controls for women, vice versa in men. There were diverse correlations between the NCVs and CT measurements in the male and female controls and carpet weavers, depending upon hand and sex of the subjects. The results suggested that (i) the CT size cannot be predictive for the CT syndrome; (ii) the repetitive hand movements (carpet weaving) cannot play a role in the transcarpal neuropathies; (iii) sex and hand (right and left) of the subjects should be considered in CT-NCV studies, to gain a more accurate information about the CT syndrome (CTS).

Keywords:

• Carpal tunnel
• nerve conduction velocity
• motor nerve
• sex
• hand