Morphometric changes of carpal tunnel contents during pinching

Work-related activities involving awkward postures, high repetitions and force exertions are generally believed to contribute to work-related upper limb disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is the most common peripheral neuropathy. This disease predominantly occurs over a prolonged period of performing work-related tasks involving the hands and wrists such as office and industrial activities. Various methods of assessment have been investigated to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for compression of the median nerve. These evaluations have focused on pressure changes within the carpal tunnel and how intrinsic and extrinsic factors can lead to compression of the median nerve, a widely agreed upon reason leading to CTS. However, some controversies still remain on certain suspected etiological factors such as carpal tunnel size and movement of its contents. Therefore, more research is essential for a complete understanding of the fundamental mechanisms associated with CTS. The purpose of this study was to quantify the migration of extrinsic flexor tendons towards the median nerve in the carpal tunnel resulting from forceful pinching.