Aetiology of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome: the role of lumbrical muscles and tool size on carpal tunnel pressures

• Published in: Ergonomics 1996-01, Vol.39 (1), p.103-107
• Main Authors: COBB, TYSON K., COONEY, WILLIAM P., AN, KAI-NAN
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biomechanical Phenomena; Carpal tunnel; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - etiology; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - physiopathology; Ergonomics; Hand Strength - physiology; Humans; Industrial medicine; Injuries of the nervous system and the skull. Diseases due to physical agents; Manometry; Median Nerve - physiopathology; Medical sciences; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Muscular system; Nerve Compression Syndromes - physiopathology; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Diseases - physiopathology; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
• ISSN: 0014-0139; 1366-5847
• DOI: 10.1080/00140139608964437

A cadaveric study was undertaken to investigate the effect of tool size and lumbrical muscle incursion on carpal tunnel pressure during active grip. Active grip was simulated by securing the specimens on an apparatus and loading each of the eight ringer flexor tendons with 1 kg each. Carpal tunnel pressures were measured with and without 1- and 2-in. tubing in die hand and before and after removing the lumbrical muscles. Both variables, tool size and lumbrical muscles, were found to have a statistically significant effect on carpal tunnel pressure. Higher pressure changes were found for the 2-in. tubing, compared with 1 in. tubing, but this difference was not statistically significant.