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Background Dysfunction in both afferent sensory and efferent motor components of the median nerve may contribute to the manifestation of the symptom of dropping objects (DO) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of CTS patients with dropping objects (wDO) and those without dropping objects (w/oDO). The study evaluated the correlation between DO symptoms and median partial conduction block, as well as the reduction in median motor conduction velocity at the wrist. Methodology An examination for CTS and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) were performed. Median and ulnar sensory and motor nerve conduction studies were conducted in both upper extremities, and the percentage decrease in the median compound motor action potential amplitude at the wrist level was calculated. Results The study included 201 female participants aged between 22 and 88 years, comprising 57 patients with CTSwDO, 78 patients with CTSw/oDO, and 66 healthy controls. In the CTSwDO group, compared to the CTSw/oDO group, BCTQ scores were significantly higher, the prevalence of sensory deficits was more pronounced, and a larger number of hands, both dominant and non-dominant, were classified as stage 3 or higher in the clinical CTS classification. However, no correlation was found between the presence of DO symptoms and any neurophysiological findings. Conclusions DO may be a symptom of clinical severity in CTS, as previously reported. No neurophysiological parameter that could be associated with DO was identified., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Bezmialem Vakif University Clinical Research Ethics Committee issued approval 2023/122. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Matur et al.)

Objectives Although age is a risk factor, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can also affect younger individuals, particularly those involved in activities or occupations that require repetitive hand movements, forceful gripping, or prolonged wrist flexion/extension. This case-control study aimed to examine the prevalence of CTS symptoms and frequent object dropping among a group of young dentists who are exposed to CTS risk factors. Additionally, other reported risk factors for CTS, such as sex, obesity, and square wrist sign, were also investigated. Methods A total of 74 dentists (48 women, mean age 28.5 years), who are working at Istanbul Faculty of Dentistry, the largest dental school in Istanbul, which is the biggest city in Turkey, were included in the study. Additionally, 61 age- and sex-matched controls (38 women, mean age 27.9 years) were also recruited. The Edinburgh Hand Preference Questionnaire, Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ), a questionnaire for object dropping and occupational hand usage, anthropometric measurements of the hands, clinical neurologic examination, and electromyography intended for the detection of CTS were performed. Results The dentists had a higher total weekly hand usage duration compared to the controls (66.3 vs 44.8 hours, p<0.001). BCTQ scores and the frequency of object dropping were also significantly higher in dentists compared to controls (respective p values: 0.011, 0.003). Positive correlations were found between BCTQ scores, hand usage durations, and object dropping (respective p values: 0.001, <0.001). BCTQ scores were higher in women than in men (p=0.027). Electrophysiologic evidence of CTS was found in one dentist. Conclusions Symptoms of CTS may manifest in individuals at a younger age than predicted, primarily influenced by their occupation and the duration of hand usage. Dentists, in particular, report a higher incidence of complaints related to object dropping, which can be attributed to their frequent use of specialized tools and engagement in delicate tasks, resulting in heightened awareness. However, it can also potentially serve as an indicator of CTS., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Matur et al.)