Date of Degree

2010

Document Type

thesis

Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Jessica Goetz

Second Advisor

Thomas D. Brown

Abstract

As the incidence of diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome continues to increase, an understanding of the mechanism(s) of insult to the median nerve which leads to its development becomes ever more imperative. Knowledge of the exact cause of CTS could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment methods, or more importantly, to better preventative measures. The goal of this study was to investigate movements and interactions of structures within the carpal tunnel during wrist flexion and hand loading in order to obtain information about a specific mechanism of insult to the median nerve. Symptomatic and normal subjects were compared to observe differences in the interactions of the median nerve and its surrounding structures. A new methodology was developed to facilitate the evaluation of these populations.

Pages

xi, 120

Bibliography

114-120

Copyright

Copyright 2010 Nicole Marie Kunze