Prevalence and incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in US working populations: pooled analysis of six prospective studies

Abstract

Objectives Most studies of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) incidence and prevalence among workers have been limited by small sample sizes or restricted to a small subset of jobs. We established a common CTS case definition and then pooled CTS prevalence and incidence data across six prospective studies of musculoskeletal outcomes to measure CTS frequency and allow better studies of etiology. Methods Six research groups collected prospective data at >50 workplaces including symptoms characteristic of CTS and electrodiagnostic studies (EDS) of the median and ulnar nerves across the dominant wrist. While study designs and the timing of data collection varied across groups, we were able to create a common CTS case definition incorporating both symptoms and EDS results from data that were collected in all studies. Results At the time of enrollment, 7.8% of 4321 subjects met our case definition and were considered prevalent cases of CTS. During 8833 person-years of follow-up, an additional 204 subjects met the CTS case definition for an overall incidence rate of 2.3 CTS cases per 100 person-years. Conclusions Both prevalent and incident CTS were common in data pooled across multiple studies and sites. The large number of incident cases in this prospective study provides adequate power for future exposure– response analyses to identify work- and non-work-related risk factors for CTS. The prospective nature allows determination of the temporal relations necessary for causal inference.

Time trends in incidence and prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome over eight years according to multiple data sources: Pays de la Loire study

“…Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders of the upper-extremities (UE-MSD) in working populations (1)(2)(3)(4). As in many industrialized countries, CTS is a leading cause of surgery and occupational diseases (OD) in France (5)(6).…”

What is the true prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among US workers?

“…By pooling data from six studies that participated in the Upper-Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorder Consortium (UEMSD), Dale et al's recent publication "Prevalence and incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in US working populations: pooled analysis of six prospective studies" (1) provides an important contribution to the literature on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among US workers. Although the main purpose of the UEMSD was not to estimate the national prevalence of CTS but rather to evaluate the relationship between workplace factors and upper-extremity health outcomes, Dale et al's reported baseline prevalence rate of CTS (7.8%) might be considered one of the best estimates of the true prevalence of CTS among US workers performing hand-intensive activities.…”

National Trends in Carpal Tunnel Release and Hand Fracture Procedures Performed During Orthopaedic Residency: An Analysis of ACGME Case Logs

“…We also found no significant changes in the mean number of CTR and hand fracture cases for residents over the 8-year study period. The literature [12][13][14] shows that the incidence of hand fractures is decreasing, while the rates of carpal tunnel syndrome and CTR are increasing. A recent study 12 of the incidence of CTR in the United States found a decline in CTR in hospital-based surgical centers and a nearly 5-fold increase in CTR performed in freestanding ambulatory surgical centers.…”