Objective
To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients. Method: Electrodiagnostic study was performed to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and polyneuropathy in 266 (male 151, female 115) diabetic patients. General charateristics, diabetes related factors, anthropometric factors were compared between non-carpal tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome groups to identify the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. Results: Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients was 16.2 % (43 subjects). Female, farming, wrist depth width ratio (≥0.7) were associated with carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients. In right hand, odds ratio was 12.82 (95% confidence interval: 2.97∼55.3) in female, 5.15 (95% confidence interval: 1.17∼22.7) in farming, 28.53 (95% confidence interval: 1.80∼451.1) in wrist depth width ratio (≥0.7). The similar results were also observed in left hand. Conclusion: The results suggest that occupation, sex, and anthropometric factor like wrist shape were more associated with carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients than diabetes mellitus itself. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 745-751)
