EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF HAND DOMINANCE ON MEDIAN NERVE CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA AMONG HEALTHY ADULT SUBJECTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background:This study was designed considering the existing controversies on the normal range of median nerve cross-sectional area (MNCSA) and its association with hand dominance. Methods:In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the upper limbs of 100 healthy subjects (46 men and 54 women) were assessed bilaterally by sonography. MNCSA was measured at the level of the carpal tunnel inlet. Results:Calculated MNCSA values were 9.29 mm2 and 9.54 mm2 for the right and left sides, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the right and left hands. No significant correlation was observed between hand dominance and MNCSA in right-handed or left-handed subjects. Conclusion:Hand dominance does not significantly affect MNCSA at the wrist level, and thus does not affect the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.