A Theoretical Analysis of the Etiology of Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome was studied by comparing the role of genetics, sleep position and sexual intercourse as possible causes of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. The etiologic potential of the three theories was analyzed using a modified version of the Bradford Hill criteria of causation. All three theories scored equally well according to eight of the nine Bradford Hill criteria. When evaluated according to the ninth criterion which represented coherence, and comprised of seven non occupational risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome, sexual intercourse emerged with the highest score. It is concluded that among the three etiologic mechanisms under consideration, repetitive motion during sexual intercourse is the most l ikely cause of non occupational carpal tunnel syndrome.