Highlights
- •The cross-sectional area of the median nerve as measured by diagnostic ultrasound is larger in healthy individuals over 40 compared to those under years old.
- •The cross-sectional area of the median nerve as measured by diagnostic ultrasound is larger in healthy individuals with an elevated body mass index and weight.
- •Anthropometric and demographic characteristics including age, body mass index, and weight should be considered when examining the cross sectional area of the median nerve at the wrist, especially when determining cut-off points for establishing a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Abstract
Introduction
This study aimed to identify the relationship between age, body mass index (BMI),
weight, height, and wrist circumference and median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA).
The study also aimed to examine the difference between CSA in individuals reporting
a high amount (>4 hours per day) of electronic device use compared to those reporting
a low amount (≤4 hours per day).
Materials/Methods
One hundred twelve healthy individuals volunteered to participate in the study. Anthropometric,
demographic, and self-reported electronic device usage data were collected. A transverse
image of the median nerve was captured using ultrasonography from the dominant wrist
at the carpal tunnel inlet . A Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to
examine correlations between participant characteristics (age, BMI, weight, height,
and wrist circumference) and CSA. Separate Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine
differences in CSA in those younger and older than age 40, in those with BMI <25 kg/m2
and BMI ≥25 kg/m2, and in high and low-frequency device users.
Results
BMI, weight, and wrist circumference showed fair correlations with CSA. There were
significant differences in CSA between individuals younger than 40 and those older
than 40 and between individuals with BMI <25kg/m2 and those with BMI ≥25kg/m2. There were no statistically significant differences in CSA in the low- and high-use
electronic device groups.
Discussion
Anthropometric and demographic characteristics including age and BMI or weight should
be considered when examining the CSA of the median nerve, especially when determining
cut-off points for establishing a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 12, 2023
Accepted:
October 14,
2022
Received in revised form:
October 11,
2022
Received:
March 25,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
Funding: The study was approved by the Midwestern University (Glendale, AZ) Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Institutional Review Board. The project was funded by an internal Research Facilitation Grant from the Midwestern University College of Health Sciences Grant Number 30-2016-8136.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare there were no conflicts of interest.
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