Abstract

  Background: The pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with

  increased intracarpal canal pressure. Recently, palmaris longus has been introduced

  as an independent risk factor for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. The

  purpose of this study was to assess the association of carpal tunnel syndrome with

  the presence of palmaris longus tendon and functional superficial flexor of the fifth

  finger.

  Methods: Fifty-four patients with severe and bilateral carpal tunnel syndromes

  that had indications for carpal tunnel release, and underwent surgery, were enrolled

  prospectively in this study. Seventy patients as control group were selected on a basis

  of age, gender, occupation, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid

  arthritis. The presence or absence of the palmaris longus tendon and functional superficial flexor tendon to the little finger were assessed in both groups clinically.

  Results: The prevalence of palmaris longus agenesis was significantly lower in

  the carpal tunnel group but there was no association between carpal tunnel syndrome

  and presence of functional superficial flexor to the little finger.

  Conclusion: The presence of the palmaris longus tendon is associated with the

  development of carpal tunnel syndrome.