Effects of electronic device overuse by university students in relation to clinical status and anatomical variations of the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament

Introduction: This study investigates the results of a questionnaire, provocative tests, and ultrasonographic measurements of carpal tunnel morphological parameters in intensive and nonintensive electronic device users. Methods: Forty-eight university students (equal numbers of intensive and nonintensive users, ≥5 h/day and <5 h/day of electronic device usage, respectively) were randomly selected after questionnaire responses were received and evaluated clinically and by ultrasonography. All participants were right-handed. Results: Intensive users had significantly more positive results in Phalen's and Durkan's tests and reported more wrist/hand pain compared with nonintensive users (P < 0.05). Intensive users also had significantly larger median nerve cross-sectional areas, flattening ratios, and perimeters as well as greater bowing of the transverse carpal ligament compared with nonintensive users (P < 0.05). Discussion: Overuse of electronic devices may adversely affect the median nerve within the carpal tunnel and the transverse carpal ligament, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand. Caution may be warranted when using handheld electronic devices. Muscle Nerve 56: 873–880, 2017.