Prevalence of Common Wrist Disorders and Their Associated Risk Factors Among Antepartum Women of Faisalabad: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Pregnancy involves numerous physiological changes that may predispose women to various musculoskeletal disorders, including wrist pathologies. Among these, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (DQT), Wartenberg’s Syndrome, and Guyon’s Canal Syndrome are commonly observed but underdiagnosed in antepartum women. The objective of our study was to assess the prevalence of common wrist disorders and identify associated risk factors among second and third trimester antepartum women in Faisalabad. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted over four months. A total of 120 antepartum women were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling from the gynecological OPDs of Mujahid Hospital, Madina Teaching Hospital, and Faisal Hospital. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs including Tinel’s sign, Finkelstein’s test, and others. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22; chi-square tests were applied to evaluate associations between wrist disorders and various risk factors. Prevalence rates were as follows: CTS (48.3%), DQT (50%), Wartenberg’s Syndrome (46.7%), and Guyon’s Canal Syndrome (48.3%). No significant associations were found between wrist disorders and factors like age, BMI, gravidity, or gestational period. However, anemia and pre-eclampsia showed statistically significant associations with CTS (p < 0.05). Wrist disorders are highly prevalent among antepartum women, though most demographic and obstetric variables showed no significant link. The significant association of CTS with anemia and preeclampsia highlights the need for preventive screening and early conservative interventions during pregnancy.