Prevalence of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome among Dentists, A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a neuromuscular disorder predominantly seen in professions demanding repetitive and forceful hand movements, notably among dentists. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CTS among dentists and its impact on their professional activities. Objective: To determine the prevalence of CTS in dentists and understand how it affects their daily professional tasks. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire to evaluate sensory and functional impairments in a sample of 50 dentists. The questionnaire encompassed demographic details, the Functional Status Scale (FSS), and the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28.0. Results: The study sample comprised 38% female and 62% male dentists, primarily aged between 20-30 years (48%), followed by 31-40 years (30%), and 41-50 years (22%). It was found that female dentists exhibited a higher prevalence of CTS compared to male counterparts. Regarding symptoms, 40% of the participants reported mild hand or wrist pain during the day, while 10% experienced moderate pain. Furthermore, 30% of the dentists reported experiencing wrist pain 1-2 times per day. A notable 40% felt slight weakness in the hands, and 6% reported moderate weakness. Conclusion: The study concludes that CTS is highly prevalent among dentists, with a more significant impact observed in female practitioners. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive measures and ergonomic interventions in dental practice to reduce the risk and burden of CTS.