Investigation of Sectional Surface Area and Volume of Carpal Tunnel, Median Nerve and Structures Inside in Unilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

SUMMARY: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve (MN). The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the cross-sectional surface area of the canalis carpi (CC), median nerve (MN), and flexor tendons (FTs) in patients diagnosed with unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with those of the unaffected side, utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, the study aimed to assess and compare the volume of the CC and MN between the affected and unaffected sides. 18 unilateral CTS female patients were included in this study. Magnetic resonance images were obtained using a 1.5-T MRI scanner. The sectional surface area and volume of the CC, MN, and structures inside were measured using Analyze version 12.0 software. The sectional surface area and volume of the CC and MN were significantly larger on the CTS side than on the healthy side (p<0.05). The results showed that the cross-sectional surface area of CC gradually decreased towards the beginning and end of the CC, but the values were higher on the side with CTS than on the healthy side (p<0.05). The cross-sectional surface area of the CC, MN, and FTs was significantly larger on the CTS side compared to the healthy side. Furthermore, the volumes of the CC and MN were notably elevated on the CTS side in comparison to the healthy side. The measurement of these parameters using MRI may be useful in the diagnosis and assessment of CTS.