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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Related Median Neuropathies pp 13–29Cite as

Pathophysiology of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Abstract

This chapter discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms and contributing factors underlying the etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. The etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome is complex and still has not been fully elucidated. Many factors have been implicated in the development and progression of carpal tunnel syndrome. Injury due to repetitive mechanical stress and resulting nerve injury has been historically thought to be the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, systemic disease states including diabetes, acromegaly, thyroid dysfunction, and rheumatoid arthritis among others have been linked to carpal tunnel syndrome. Age, gender, and genetic factors have also been associated with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. The various elements that may predispose to carpal tunnel syndrome have been explored in depth in this chapter.

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Abbreviations

BMI:

Body mass index

CTS:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

IGF-1:

Insulin-like growth factor 1

IL-6:

Interleukin 6

mRNA:

Messenger ribonucleic acid

NCS:

Nerve conduction studies

PGE2:

Prostaglandin E2

TMNST:

Tethered median nerve stress test

VEGF:

Vascular endothelial growth factor

VGSC:

Voltage-gated sodium channel

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston University/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA

    Scott F. M. Duncan

  2. Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    Oam Bhate & Hatim Mustaly

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  1. Scott F. M. Duncan
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  2. Oam Bhate
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Correspondence to Scott F. M. Duncan .

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  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston University/Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Scott F. M. Duncan

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka, Japan

    Ryosuke Kakinoki

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Duncan, S.F.M., Bhate, O., Mustaly, H. (2017). Pathophysiology of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In: Duncan, S., Kakinoki, R. (eds) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Related Median Neuropathies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57010-5_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57010-5_3

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57008-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57010-5

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