Narrator: We believe that carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by fibrosis of the synovial tissue within the carpal tunnel.
As you can see in this cartoon, this synovial tissue consists of multiple layers, which are recruited sequentially as the tendon moves. If the tendon is subjected to excessive force, these layers may be damaged.
This damage results in fibrosis, which may limit tendon motion. Eventually the tendon may break free and start another cycle of fibrosis.
We believe that this is an important part of the etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome.