Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome in Washington State workers' compensation: Temporal trends, clinical practices, and disability

Abstract

Making an accurate diagnosis of CTS and initiating appropriate actions earlier than might otherwise occur could reduce the disability and costs in a large fraction of claims that are ultimately determined to involve CTS.

Work‐related carpal tunnel syndrome in Washington State workers' compensation: Utilization of surgery and the duration of lost work

“…Other evidence, however, indicates that disability from CTS is much more extensive. A study of workers' compensation claims for CTS in Washington State found the incidence of lost-work cases was four times higher, and the average duration of lost work was more than twice as long as in the BLS survey [Daniell et al, 2005]. The more complex cases were associated with even longer disability.…”

A population‐based study of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow in Washington State workers' compensation

“…The diagnostic delay may have forestalled effective treatments and allowed for irreversible neural axonal changes [Urbaniak and Gabel, 1991]. However, a similar adverse effect on outcome of carpal tunnel surgery has also been reported [Daniell et al, 2005]; thus, timeliness of diagnosis is likely critical for successful outcome of work-related UNE.…”

Role of Professionalism in Improving the Patient-Centeredness, Timeliness, and Equity of Neurological Care

“…17 Anecdotal examples of delays in other areas of neurological practice leading to poor outcomes abound. Many of the causes of delays were not controlled by the neurologists but were related to other aspects of the care system.…”