Deformation of the median nerve at different finger postures and wrist angles

• Published in: PeerJ (San Francisco, CA) Vol. 6; p. e5406
• Main Authors: Loh, Ping Yeap, Yeoh, Wen Liang, Nakashima, Hiroki, Muraki, Satoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States PeerJ, Inc 09.08.2018; PeerJ Inc
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Carpal tunnel; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Finger; Gliding; Hand surgery; Handedness; Kinesiology; Median nerve; Median nerve cross-sectional area; Median nerve diameters; Morphology; Nervous system; Orthopedics; Posture; Studies; Surgery; Tendon gliding exercise; Tendons; Ultrasonic imaging; Wrist; Japan; Edinburgh Scotland; Median nerve cross-sectional area; Tendon gliding exercise; Median nerve diameters; Carpal tunnel
• ISSN: 2167-8359; 2167-8359
• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5406

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes of the median nerve cross-sectional area (MNCSA) and diameters of the median nerve at different finger postures and wrist angles. Twenty-five healthy male participants were recruited in this study. The median nerve at wrist crease was examined at six finger postures, and repeated with the wrist in 30° flexion, neutral (0°), and 30° extension. The six finger postures are relaxed, straight finger, hook, full fist, tabletop, and straight fist. The main effects of both finger postures and wrist angles are significant (  < 0.05) on changes of the MNCSA. Different finger tendon gliding postures cause a change in the MNCSA. Furthermore, wrist flexion and extension cause higher deformation of the MNCSA at different finger postures. The median nerve parameters such as MNCSA and diameter were altered by a change in wrist angle and finger posture. The results may help to understand the direct biomechanical stresses on the median nerve by different wrist-finger activities.