DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i10.038

Pages: 3416-3420

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. It is more common in the middle age group and more common in women than men. Several factors cause CTS, including pregnancy and lactation. Very few studies have been conducted regarding the treatment of CTS in Bangladesh. So the local data related to the issue are very limited. Aim of study: The aim of the study was to evaluate of carpal tunnel syndrome conservatively in pregnant women. Methods: This was an observational prospective study. The study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics of Shaheed M. Monsur Ali Medical College, Sirajganj, Bangladesh during the period from January 2017 to December 2018. In total 60 pregnant women with carpal tunnel syndrome was the study population. Patients were classified into mild, moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome according to clinical and nerve conduction grading. Results: Based on clinical assessment, 56.67% had mild to moderate CTS and 43.33% had severe CTS. However, as classified by NCS, there were 31.67% patients with mild to moderate CTS and 68.33% with severe CTS. So, a significant number of patients who had mild-moderate CTS on clinical grading actually had severe CTS on electro diagnostic grading (p=0.0076). In nerve condition grading we found 30% patients with mild to moderate and 70% with severe condition. Conclusions: Carpal tunnel syndrome has a high incidence in females especially in pregnant women. Sensory symptoms (Paresthesia, numbness and nocturnal pain) were more common than symptoms of motor weakness. Dominant hand involvement was more common.