Upper extremity disability is associated with pain intensity and grip strength in women with bilateral idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The upper extremity disability in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is related to dysfunction due to the median nerve damage. However, there is no report on which dysfunctions affect the upper extremity disability.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate which clinical factors influence upper extremity disability in women with CTS.

METHODS: We analyzed 60 hands of women with bilateral idiopathic CTS. Upper extremity disability was assessed using Hand10, a validated and self-administered tool. Pain intensity was measured using the Japanese version of the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-J). We performed nerve conduction studies, assessed physical and psychological parameters, and collected demographic data. Physical parameters comprised grip strength, pinch strength, tactile threshold, static 2-point discrimination sensation, and severity of numbness. Psychological parameters include depression, pain anxiety, and distress.

RESULTS: The bivariate analysis revealed that Hand10 was significantly correlated with age, symptom duration, SF-MPQ-J, grip strength, pain anxiety, and distress. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that SF-MPQ-J and grip strength were related to Hand10 score.

CONCLUSIONS: Pain intensity and grip strength were dysfunctions affecting the upper extremity disability in women with bilateral idiopathic CTS. Rehabilitation approaches for CTS should be considered based on the adaptive activities of the neural networks.