IS THERE A FAMILIAL CARPAL-TUNNEL SYNDROME - AN EVALUATION AND LITERATURE-REVIEW

We review the reports of families proposed to have the familial carpal tunnel syndrome (FCTS). The demographic features of sporadic carpal t unnel syndrome (CTS) differ from FCTS, where an earlier onset and incr eased bilateral involvement is seen. We also identify seven new potent ial FCTS pedigrees on the basis of their having four or more members w ith symptoms suggesting CTS, In all but two pedigrees an explanation o ther than FCTS was found. We conclude that the FCTS is a rare, but gen etically distinct disorder. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.