Quantitative anatomical analysis of the carpal tunnel in women and men

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to identify anatomical differences between men and women in the absolute and relative size of the carpal tunnel (CT), its inner structures, and related external anatomical structures in order to shed light on the higher prevalence of CT syndrome (CTS) in women. Basic procedures: We have dissected the forearms and hands of ten men and ten women and compared the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the CT between the two sexes. The size of the CT relative to the tendons passing through it, the median nerve (MN), and to hand and wrist size was also compared between men and women. Main findings: The absolute CSAs of the CT and other parameters were larger in men than in women. The CSA of the CT relative to the length of the capitate bone was also larger in men. However, no significant differences were observed between men and women in the size of the CT relative to its inner structures. Principal conclusions: The size of the inner structures of the CT are in proportion to that of the CT itself in both sexes. These findings suggest that the etiology of CTS seems to be primarily related to workload and personal traits.