Stiffness of the Skin and Joints in Relation to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (STIF-CTS)

St. Antonius Hospital

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01081860

STIF CTS

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

40 participants in 4 patient groups

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Description:

Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Trigger finger

Description:

Patients with trigger fingers

Dupuytren Contracture

Description:

Patients with Dupuytren

Trauma to the hand

Description:

Patients with an acute trauma to the hand