Workplace and individual risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Quantitative and ratings-based job exposure measures were each associated with CTS. Obesity increased the association between frequency of exertion and CTS.

Prevalence and work‐relatedness of carpal tunnel syndrome in the working population, United States, 2010 national health interview survey

“…The compression may be related to a specific traumatic injury or systemic condition (e.g., diabetes, pregnancy), or may be caused by thickening of the protective sheaths that surround the flexor tendons that run through the carpal tunnel. Established occupational risk factors for CTS include repetitive flexing and extension of the wrist, forceful grip, and use of handheld vibratory tools [Palmer et al, 2007;Barcenilla et al, 2011;Burt et al, 2011]. Although CTS is relatively uncommon among the general population, it is one of the most common work-related conditions.…”

Validation of the ACGIH TLV for hand activity level in the OCTOPUS cohort: a two-year longitudinal study of carpal tunnel syndrome

“…The presence of gender differences for CTS has been reported several times in the medical literature (eg, 3-6). However, it has been hypothesized that gender could "mask" exposure differences between men and women (31,32); in particular, gender could be a proxy of exposure when occupational exposure to biomechanical risk factors is not collected or is highly misclassified. In our longitudinal study, the occupational biomechanical exposure of the hand-wrist system was carefully assessed according to the ACGIH recommendations, and we found an important increase in risk of CTS for women.…”

Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries among employees at a poultry processing plant.

“…Burt et al 2011]. Any discrepancies in interpreted results were resolved by discussion of the two neurologists after the independent readings.…”

“…Appendix A: Tables Table A1. Abnormal median nerve conduction measures [Burt et al 2011] Abnormal if meet Criteria A and (Criteria B or Criteria C) …”

“…Employees gave written informed consent and their participation was voluntary. We used a case definition for carpal tunnel syndrome developed from medical literature [Katz 1990;Rosecrance and Douphrate 2010;Burt et al 2011].…”