The Factors Associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Severity

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the effects of factors, which are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) prevalence, on disease severity. MATERIAL and METHODS: This retrospective study included 206 patients who were treated surgically for either moderate or severe CTS. Patients were grouped into moderate and severe CTS then compared regarding to age, gender, BMI, and presence of occupational factors as well as systemic diseases that are associated with CTS. RESULTS: Patients with moderate and severe CTS did not differ in age, gender, occupational risk factors, and most of the systemic diseases, including DM, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, renal insufficiency, and folate deficiency. The severe CTS group had a significantly higher BMI than the moderate CTS group. Moreover, vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly more common in the severe CTS group than in the moderate CTS group. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe CTS are more inclined toward surgery than those with moderate CTS. Controlling BMI and preventing vitamin B12 deficiency may help keep alleviate complaints related to CTS with less invasive treatment modalities.