Effect of anthropometric measurements of the hand on the development of carpal tunnel syndrome in female patients

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate whether anthropometric measurements and body mass index (BMI) are associated with the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in female patients. This cross-sectional, observational, case-control study included 100 women with symptoms of CTS and electrophysiological evidence of median nerve entrapment at the level of the carpal tunnel. 100 volunteers without symptoms of CTS and with normal electrophysiological results were included in the study as a control group. The external dimensions of the extended hand were measured in both groups. Hand ratio (HR), wrist ratio (WR), BMI, and electrophysiological results were compared between the 2 groups. The mean age of patients with CTS was 45.5±10.38 years, compared to 39.0±9.96 years in the control group (P<.003). The BMI was higher in the CTS group (31.2±4.83 kg/m²) than in the controls (25.61±3.60 kg/m²; t=8.646, P<.001). HR was lower in CTS patients (2.27±0.11) compared to controls (2.50±0.11; t=-13.881, P<.001), while WR was higher in the CTS group (0.74±0.03 vs 0.68±0.02; t=15.905, P<.001). These findings suggest that women with CTS tend to have lower HRs, higher WRs, and increased BMI compared to healthy individuals. Logistic regression showed that age was not a predictor of CTS, BMI had borderline significance, and smaller HRs along with thicker wrists significantly increased CTS risk. © 2025 the Author(s).