Carpal canal stenosis in men with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

The carpal canal and carpal bones of 14 male patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and 26 normal male controls were examined by computed tomography. When compared with the controls, there was significant stenosis of the proximal part but not of the distal part of the carpal canal. Carpal canal stenosis is an important etiologic factor in the development of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome in males.