Stiffness of the Skin and Joints in Relation to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

St. Antonius Hospital40 enrolled

Overview

The exact etiology of CTS remains yet unknown. A rise in carpal tunnel pressure is well documented, but why this phenomenon occurs is yet unknown in most patients. There is an absolute or relative narrowing of the carpal tunnel, which results in a compression of the median nerve. The investigators postulate, that a stiffer flexor retinaculum (roof of carpal tunnel) will be less compliant. As a consequence of this stiffer retinaculum the pressure in the carpal tunnel will rise more quickly in stiff patients resulting in CTS-complaints. A relation between connective tissue composition and joint stiffness is proven. This relationship possibly extends to a relation between stiffness of the skin, joint stiffness and the prevalence of CTS.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 60 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Caucasian * Carpal tunnel release OR Trigger finger OR Dupuytren OR an acute trauma to the hand Exclusion Criteria: * Hypo-/hyperthyroidism * Diabetes * Arthritis * Pregnancy * Obesity (BMI \>30) * Anatomical anomalies

Locations (1)

St Antonius Hospital

Nieuwegein, Utrecht, Netherlands

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Joint stiffness

The active range of motion (elbow, wrist, knee and ankle) is measured with a standard goniometer.

Time frame: In the 1st month

Stiffness of the skin

Skinstiffness is measured with a suction cup

Time frame: in the 1st month

Secondary Outcomes

Physical activities

Boston Questionairre