Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

JA

Accession No.:

J57863

Journal:


American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 88, 12, 1007-16

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Objective: To investigate relationships between carpal tunnel syndrome, functional status, subject demographics, physical examination findings, and median nerve conduction study findings in manual wheelchair users with paraplegia. Design: Multicenter cross-sectional study. One hundred twenty-six manual wheelchair-using individuals with chronic paraplegia answered self-administered questionnaires on demographics, symptoms, and functional status. They underwent physical examination specific for carpal tunnel syndrome and upper-limb nerve conduction studies. Results: Fifty-seven percent of subjects had symptoms (72.2% bilateral); hand numbness was most common. Sixty percent of subjects had carpal tunnel syndrome physical examination findings (59.2% bilateraJ). Those with physical examination findings were more likely to have longer duration of injury (P =0.003). Seventy-eight percent of subjects had electrophysiologic evidence of median mononeuropathy. Symptomatic subjects had significantly greater medianulnar
motor latency difference in the dominant hand (P = 0.02) and smaller compound muscle action potential amplitudes bilaterally (dominant hand, P =0.01; nondominant hand, P = 0.04). Persons with carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and physical examination findings had significantly worse functional status (symptoms, P mononeuropathy are highly prevalent and functionally significant. This study highlights the need for primary prevention and patient education for preserving upper-limb function. Spinal Cord Injuries, Paraplegia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Median Nerve, Neuropathy, Cumulative Trauma Disorders, Wheelchairs.

Author(s):


Yang J., Boninger M.L., Leath J.D., Fitzgerald S.G., Dyson-Hudson T.A., Chang M.W.