Focal neurological complications of handcuff application

The application of handcuffs may result in compression neuropathies at the wrist. The frequency of these complications is unknown. Twelve of 190 (6.3% ) consecutive subjects kept in police custody presented distal neurological symptoms possibly related to handcuff application. The duration of handcuf fing was significantly longer in patients with neurological symptoms than i n patients without neurological symptoms (mean +/- SD: 3.7 +/- 5.2 h vs. 1. 8 +/- 2.6 h, P = 0.02). A long duration of handcuff application and, possib ly, the existence of somnolence or acute alcohol intoxication could be pred isposing factors to handcuff neuropathy. A prospective study of clinical an d electrophysiological detection and follow up is needed.