Prevalence Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research Articles

516 Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

Abstract Aims Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) represents an important red flag for transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis (CA). However, no large studies have investigated the prevalence of CTS in wild type ATTR (wtATTR) and hereditary ATTR (hATTR). To investigate the prevalence of CTS in patients with ATTR-CA, both wild type and hereditary, differentiating between monolateral and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods and results 381 patients, 308 male and 73 female, with a definite diagnosis of ATTR CA have been evaluated. Among these, 230 patients with diagnosis of wild-type ATTR (wtATTR) and 151 patients with hereditary ATTR (hATTR) were identified. Patients with diagnosis of hATTR are sorted according to phenotype in cardiologic (43 patients) and mixed when both cardiologic and neurologic phenotype are observed (108 patients). Patients with neurological phenotype without CA were excluded. Overall, CTS is present in 57.6% of ATTR patients; A higher prevalence (P < 0.05) of CTS was observed in wtATTR (61.6%) respect to hATTR (51.7%). Monolateral isolated CTS is significantly frequent (P < 0.05) in patients with hATTR (35.1%) than in wtATTR (12.7%), on the contrary bilateral CTS is significantly more frequent (P < 0.05) in patients with wtATTR (48.5%) than in hATTR (16.6%). Among patients with hATTR, of the 43 patients with cardiologic phenotype, 18 patients (41.9%) have diagnosis of CTS, subdivided in 28% with monolateral CTS and 72% with bilateral CTS. Among hATTR patients with mixed phenotype, 55.6% have diagnosis of CTS, subdivided in 80% with monolateral isolated CTS and 20% with bilateral CTS. Among 151 patients with hATTR, monolateral isolated CTS is significantly more present in patients with mixed phenotype (80% vs. 27%, P < 0.001) while bilateral CTS is significantly more frequent in patients with cardiologic phenotype (72.2% vs. 20%, P < 0.001). Conclusions CTS particularly with bilateral involvement is a common finding in wtATTR patients than in hATTR patients. On the contrary, monolateral isolated CTS is significantly more frequent in patients with hATTR than in wtATTR. Among patients with hATTR, bilateral CTS is significantly more frequent in patients with cardiologic phenotype than mixed phenotype while monolateral isolated CTS is significantly more present in patients with mixed phenotype.

A Correlation between Upper Extremity Compressive Neuropathy and Nerve Compression Headache.

Compressive neuropathies of the head/neck that trigger headaches and entrapment neuropathies of the extremities have traditionally been perceived as separate clinical entities. Given significant overlap in clinical presentation, treatment, and anatomical abnormality, the authors aimed to elucidate the relationship between nerve compression headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome, and other upper extremity compression neuropathies. One hundred thirty-seven patients with nerve compression headaches who underwent surgical nerve deactivation were included. A retrospective chart review was conducted and the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome was recorded. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome who had a history of surgery and/or positive imaging findings in addition to confirmed diagnosis were included. Patients with subjective report of carpal tunnel syndrome/thoracic outlet syndrome/cubital tunnel syndrome were excluded. Prevalence was compared to general population data. The cumulative prevalence of upper extremity neuropathies in patients undergoing surgery for nerve compression headaches was 16.7 percent. The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was 10.2 percent, which is 1.8- to 3.8-fold more common than in the general population. Thoracic outlet syndrome prevalence was 3.6 percent, with no available general population data for comparison. Cubital tunnel syndrome prevalence was comparable between groups. The degree of overlap between nerve compression syndromes of the head/neck and upper extremity suggests that peripheral nerve surgeons should be aware of this correlation and screen affected patients comprehensively. Similar patient presentation, treatment, and anatomical basis of nerve compression make either amenable to treatment by nerve surgeons, and treatment of both entities should be an integral part of a formal peripheral nerve surgery curriculum.

Replication of epidemiological associations of carpal tunnel syndrome in a UK population-based cohort of over 400,000 people

SummaryIntroductionSeveral phenotypic factors are associated in the literature with an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Along with female sex and older age, certain systemic diseases show an association with CTS, with varying degrees of evidence.MethodsThis study was performed using the UK Biobank resource – a cohort study of over 500,000 participants who have allowed linkage of phenotypic data with their medical records. We calculated the prevalence of CTS and a sex-specific prevalence ratio and compared the body mass index (BMI) between cases and controls. We performed a series of nested case-control studies to compute odds ratios for the association between CTS and three systemic diseases.ResultsThere were 12,312 CTS cases within the curated UK Biobank dataset of 401,656 (3.1% prevalence), and the female:male ratio was 1.95:1. CTS cases had, on average, a BMI > 2.0 kg/m2 greater than controls. Odds ratios for the association with CTS for three systemic diseases were 2.31 (95% CI 2.17–2.46) for diabetes, 2.70 (95% CI 2.44–2.99) for rheumatoid arthritis, and 1.47 (95% CI 1.38–1.57) for hypothyroidism. Adjusted for BMI, these odds ratios fell to 1.75 (95% CI 1.65–1.86), 2.43 (95% CI 2.20–2.69), and 1.35 (95% CI 1.26–1.43), respectively.DiscussionWe harnessed the size and power of UK Biobank to provide robust replication of evidence for the associations between CTS and female sex, raised BMI, and three systemic diseases, which are only mediated in part by raised BMI.

Demographical, Anatomical, Disease-Related, and Occupational Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common focal mononeuropathy. It causes characteristic symptoms, including numbness and paresthesia in the hand due to median nerve compression at the wrist. Objectives: We aimed to investigate CTS prevalence and personal, psychosocial, biomedical, and occupational factors related to it comprehensively, according to scattered publications, without the simultaneous evaluation of all CTS risk factors. Methods: A total of 345 patients referred to a hand clinic with a complaint of paresthesia in upper extremities and suspected CTS. The patients underwent neurological assessment and electrodiagnostic (EDX) tests to confirm the diagnosis. The demographic information, past medical history, past trauma history, and occupational history of all the patients were recorded and finally analyzed with SPSS software. Results: Of the patients, 213 (67.1%) met the criteria for CTS, of whom 160 (75%) were female. Females were significantly more affected by CTS than males (P < 0.05). The mean age was higher in the CTS patients (53.80 ± 11.57 years) than in non-patients (42.39 ± 12.31 years, P < 0.001). No statistical relevance was found between CTS prevalence with occupational history, underlying medical conditions, positive Tinel’s and Phalen's tests, and muscle atrophy. Conclusions: We recognized age and gender as main determinants in developing CTS. We also found that older age was related to higher CTS intensity.

Assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome via ultrasonography among hospital workers: a screening study

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome is a reasonably common disorder among working individuals. It may also be a cause of functional impairment. The aim of the study was to screen for the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome among hospital workers by non-invasive ultrasound.ResultsThe prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed by ultrasound among hospital workers was 21.5%. Age and Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire scale were positively correlated to median nerve cross sectional area.ConclusionsUltrasound can be used as a non-invasive and convenient method for screening for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Impact of afterload and infiltration on coexisting aortic stenosis and transthyretin amyloidosis

ObjectiveThe coexistence of wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) is common in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, the impact of ATTR and AS...

The prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in the hands of fishermen working as oyster shuckers

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the hands and wrists of fishermen working as oyster shuckers, and to identify the risk factors associated with oyster shucking. A total of 590 fishery workers including those working as oyster shuckers in 2015-2017 were included in the study analysis. Hand osteoarthritis (OA), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and ulnar impaction syndrome were diagnosed using X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and physical examinations according to each diagnostic criterion. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment was used as a measurement tool for analyzing the occupation-related burden factors. The prevalence of hand OA, CTS, and ulnar impaction syndrome was higher in oyster shuckers than in aquaculture/offshore fishery workers. The prevalence of upper limb disease was higher in oyster shuckers than in other fishery workers, even in the prevalence of exposure to occupational burden factors. In oyster shuckers, the incidence of hand and wrist OA was 84%, that of CTS was 72%, and that of ulnar impaction syndrome was 41%. In addition, oyster shuckers were more likely to be exposed to occupational burden factors than were other types of fishermen. The prevalence of hand OA, CTS, and ulnar impaction syndrome was higher in oyster shuckers. Therefore, proper stretching or exercises for rest and musculoskeletal relaxation, along with health-care education and promotion, will be needed for the fishermen's repeated posture and impact work. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(5):603-15.

Association between spinal stenosis and wild-type ATTR amyloidosis

Age-related cardiac amyloidosis results from deposits of wild-type tranthyretin amyloid (ATTRwt) in cardiac tissue. ATTR may play a role in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and in spinal stenosis (SS), indicating or presaging systemic amyloidosis. We investigated consecutive patients undergoing surgery for SS for ATTR deposition in the resected ligamentum flavum (LF) and concomitant risk of cardiac amyloidosis. Each surgical specimen (LF) was stained with Congo red, and if positive, the amyloid deposits were typed by mass spectrometry. Patients with positive specimens underwent standard of care evaluation with fat pad aspirates, serum and urine protein electrophoresis with immunofixation, free light-chain assay, TTR gene sequencing and technetium 99 m-pyrophosphate-scintigraphy. In 2018–2019, 324 patients underwent surgery for SS and 43 patients (13%) had ATTR in the LF with wild-type TTR gene sequences. Two cases of ATTRwt cardiac amyloidosis were diagnosed and received treatment. In this large series, ATTRwt was identified in 13% of the patients undergoing laminectomy for SS. Patients with amyloid in the ligamentum flavum were older and had a higher prevalence of CTS, suggesting a systemic form of ATTR amyloidosis involving connective tissue. Further prospective study of patients with SS at risk for systemic amyloidosis is warranted.

P-NE003. Frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients having diabetes mellitus with neuropathy in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most frequent entrapment neuropathies of the upper limb. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) are common conditions in patients with diabetes and therefore frequently occur concomitantly. Diagnosis of CTS in patients with DPN is important, as therapeutic interventions directed toward relief of CTS may be effective irrespective of diffuse neuropathy. Methods. This study was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study done in BIRDEM general hospital between July, 2015 and June, 2016, for a period of twelve months. The initial clinical diagnosis of DPN was made and was confirmed by doing nerve conduction study. After having informed written consents, a standard preformed questionnaire was filled up for each case. Results. A total of 354 cases were finally analyzed with 153 (43.2%) patients being symptomatic and among those 54 (58.7%) had electrophysiology proven CTS. It was observed that 26.0% of patients established as having DPN also had CTS. The frequency of CTS among those with symptoms was significantly higher than in asymptomatic participants. Majority (38.4%) of patients belonged to the age group of 51-60 years. The mean age was found to be 55.99 ± 9.25 years with a range from 28 to 80 years. Among all cases of electrophysiology proven CTS (92 patients), females (53.3%) numbered greater in comparison to males (46.7%). Study subjects with CTS had significantly higher BMI, higher fasting blood sugar and higher HbA1c in comparison to patients without CTS. The mean compound motor action potential was not significantly different between patients with and without CTS. Conclusion. Given the high prevalence of CTS in subjects with DPN, it is recommended that therapeutic decisions should be made carefully after nerve conduction study and proper diagnosis.

Risk factors for self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome among hairstylists in Gaborone, Botswana.

Hairstylists form an occupational group whose tasks involve repetitive and forced movements of hands and wrists, thus posing a risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study assessed the prevalence of and factors associated with CTS symptoms among hairstylists in Gaborone, Botswana. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed among randomly selected hairstylists. The questionnaire gathered information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, work-related characteristics and psychosocial factors. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire was used to determine the severity of CTS symptoms and its functional effects. Data were then analyzed using χ2 and logistic regression models. The level of significance was determined at p < 0.05. A total of 165 hairstylists took part in the study, with 92 (56%) of the respondents being females. The mean age (M±SD) of the respondents was 35.05±7.54 years with an age range of 22-63 years. Seventy-three (42.2%) hairstylists reported CTS symptoms, with the majority (73%) being females. Out of all the CTS cases, 53 (72.6%) and 16 (21.9%) had mild and moderate symptoms, respectively. Over 80% of the hairstylists did not know about CTS. Among individual factors, CTS symptoms were associated with being female (the odds ratio [OR] of 9.99, and the 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.64-27.44), increasing age (OR 9.84, 95% CI: 2.74-35.36), the length of employment (OR 3.73, 95% CI: 1.39-9.95), hair washing (OR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.41-5.85), an awkward posture (OR 2.52, 95% CI: 1.03-6.19), and the use of a great muscular effort when performing a task (OR 2.39, 95% CI: 1.01-5.72). Perceived heavy workload and stressful work were also risk factors. The results suggest a high prevalence of CTS among female hairstylists in Gaborone, and also point out that individual, work-related and psychosocial factors are associated with this syndrome. Future large-scale research is needed to establish the extent of CTS countrywide to influence policy-making. Currently, CTS is not listed amongst occupational health diseases in Botswana. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(3):437-50.

Comparative analysis and evaluation of current antidiarrheal prescribing trends with representative brand in pediatric population of Pakistan

Background: Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among pregnant women is very much common among the Background: Inappropriate management of diarrhea is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population worldwide, more especially in developing countries including Pakistan. Method: The sample size was calculated using World Health Organization (WHO) and Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) info calculator. 240 prescriptions were collected from eight hospitals including four public hospitals (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic Hospital, Holy family Hospital and Benazir Hospital) and four private hospitals (Hearts International Hospital, Maroof Hospital, Railway hospital, Bilal Hospital) of twin cities of Pakistan (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze current prescribing trends of diarrheal management followed by comparative pharmaceutical evaluation of representative brands Parameters recorded from prescriptions were demographics (age and gender), presenting complaints and medications prescribed. Prescriptions were evaluated by their comparison with standard treatment guidelines. Results: Data were evaluated using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 16.0) for descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations along with Chi square test. Diarrhea was presenting complaint in 106 (44%) of peads among age group 0-2 years. Out of 106 (44%) cases of diarrhea, 52 (20%) cases have prescribed an antibiotic in combination with other medications, which was not indicated according to standard guidelines. The use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) was also limited. Zinc supplementation with ORS is indicated treatment for diarrhea and was prescribed to 21 (9%) cases. Conclusion: Hence, it has been concluded that standard treatment guidelines were not followed thoroughly which leads to increased morbidity, complications and cost.

Prevalence and outcome of comorbidities associated with acromegaly.

Acromegaly is associated with various comorbidities, such as arterial hypertension (aHT), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and polyposis coli. For therapeutic decisions, it is essential to know if, and to what extent, these associated morbidities are reversible or preventable. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and course of aHT, obesity, OSAS, CTS, DM2 and polyposis coli in acromegalic patients. The following criteria for inclusion in this database study were used: treatment for acromegaly at the authors' institutions; full endocrinological and radiological work- and follow-up; screening for aHT, DM2, CTS, OSAS, obesity and polyposis coli. All patients were followed-up for > 3months, and treatments were indicated with the intent of biochemical remission (normal IGF-1 and random growth hormone level). Sixty-three patients were included. Twelve (19%), 45 (71%) and 6 (10%) patients harboured micro-, macro- and giant adenomas, respectively. Nineteen tumours (30%) invaded the cavernous sinus. Mean tumour volume was 5.4 cm3. Mean follow-up time was 42months. Sixty-one (97%) patients had transsphenoidal surgery; two patients only had drug therapy. Surgery led to remission in 31 (51%) patients. Intracavernous growth and larger tumour volume were negative predictors for cure. Drug therapy lead to remission in 22 (73%) patients within a mean follow-up of 54months. The pretherapeutic prevalence of associated morbidities was as follows: aHT, 56%; DM2, 25%; OSAS, 29%; CTS, 29%; polyposis coli, 5%. There were neither age nor gender preferences for the respective prevalences. Surgery leads to remission of aHT and DM2 in 6% and 25%, respectively. Additional drug therapy resulted in remission of aHT, DM2 and CTS in 17%, 14% and 14%, respectively. Other associated morbidities persisted regardless of therapeutic efforts. Even if criteria for remission were not met, no new comorbidities of acromegaly developed during follow-up. Treating acromegaly may relieve threatening associated morbidities such as aHT and DM2; nevertheless, only few comorbidities are reversible, which highlights the importance of treating acromegaly as early as possible.

Action Levels for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Neck and Upper Extremities: A Proposal.

There are several well-known risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Despite this knowledge, too many people still work in harmful conditions. The absence of occupational exposure limits (OELs) for physical workload impedes both supervision and preventive work. To prevent myalgia, tendon disorders, and nerve entrapments in the upper musculoskeletal system, we propose action levels concerning work postures, movement velocities and muscular loads recorded by wearable equipment. As an example, we propose that wrist velocity should not exceed 20°/s as a median over a working day. This has the potential to reduce the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in highly exposed male occupational groups by 93%. By reducing upper arm velocity in highly exposed female groups to the suggested action level 60°/s, the prevalence of pronounced neck/shoulder myalgia with clinical findings (tension neck syndrome) could be reduced by 22%. Furthermore, we propose several other action levels for the physical workload. Our ambition is to start a discussion concerning limits for physical workload, with the long-term goal that OELs shall be introduced in legislation. Obviously, the specific values of the proposed action levels can, and should, be discussed. We hope that quantitative measurements, combined with action levels, will become an integral part of systematic occupational health efforts, enabling reduction and prevention of work-related MSDs.

Factors Affecting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in End Stage Renal Disease with Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The number of patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is increasing every year, as well as those who have to undergo hemodialysis. Most hemodialysis must be undertaken in a long time. Long term hemodialysis is known to be associated with the incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).&#x0D; Method: This study aimed to systematically review factors contributing in the mentioned problem. Literature research was done using three search engines, consist of Google Scholar, Pubmed and ProQuest. Journals used are limited to the last 5 years or those deemed to be relevant. The studies obtained were further read and and appraised critically.&#x0D; Result and Discussion: From a total of 423 journals, 4 articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prevalence of CTS was found to be higher in ESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Age, Gender, MHD Duration, β2-Microglobulin are factors that have long been known to play a role. Several other factors such as serum prealbumin, serum albumin, Blood Lead Levels, hepatitis infection, wrist injury, predialytic urea serum and BMI have been implicated in the incidence of CTS in ESRD patients undergoing MHD in some literatures.&#x0D; Conclusion: The factors mentioned earlier were found to have different roles and it is interesting for further reviewed. However, unfortunately there is still very little research that discuss these matters and more research needs to be done related to the factors above.

A systematic review of the methodology of sonographic assessment of upper limb activities–associated carpal tunnel syndrome

Various upper limb activities were speculated to be associated with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Nonetheless, there are currently no standardization on the uses of parameters in CTS assessments, nor are there any conclusive findings regarding the usefulness of various sonographic measurements in studies of different upper limb activities. In this review, we intend to evaluate the methodology of assessing CTS induced by upper limb activities with ultrasonographic technique and provide corresponding suggestions. Clinical studies on the association between upper limb activities and prevalence of CTS using ultrasonography were recruited in a database research on the basis of a procedural selection criteria and reviewed. The following qualitative items were extracted: characteristics of studies, scanning methods, selection of sonographic parameters, and related article findings. Eleven studies were qualified for this review. Three studies were computer keyboard typing related, five studies were electronic device related, and three studies were wheelchair-related. All sampled articles included cross-sectional area (CSA) at the pisiform level. The swelling ratio (SR) and flattening ratio (FR) at the hamate level are also used in most studies in addition to the CSA at the pisiform level. The effectiveness of such parameters is subjected to various confounding factors such as age, weight, body mass index, and wrist anthropometrics, suggesting CSA and SR with sufficient levels had significant values as sonographic parameters. Values of parameters were found affecting symptomatic signs and hand dominance. Ultrasound scan is a suitable tool to assess the relationship between upper limb activity and CTS. CSA at the pisiform level and SR and the FR at the hamate levels are generally suitable in upper limb-associated CTS investigations. Specific study designs are required to eliminate different confounding factors accordingly.

Palmar Musculature: Does It Affect the Development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? A Pilot Study.

Background The etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is multifactorial. Static mechanical characteristics of CTS have been described, but dynamic (muscular) parameters remain obscure. We believe that musculature overlying the transverse carpal ligament may have an effect on carpal tunnel pressure and may explain the prevalence of CTS in manual workers. Questions/Purposes To utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging to estimate the amount of muscle crossing the area of the carpal tunnel and to compare these MRI measurements in patients with and without documented CTS. Methods A case-control study of wrist MRI scans between January 1, 2018, and December 1, 2019, was performed. Patients with a diagnosis of CTS were matched by age and gender with controls without a diagnosis of CTS. Axial MRI cuts at the level of the hook of the hamate were used to measure the thenar and hypothenar muscle depth overlying the carpal tunnel. Muscle depth was quantified in millimeters at three points: midcapitate, capitate-hamate border, capitate-trapezoid border. Average depth was calculated by dividing the cross-sectional area (CSA) by the transverse carpal ligament width. Statistical analysis included Student's t -test, chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient calculation. Results A total of 21 cases and 21 controls met the inclusion criteria for the study. There were no significant differences in demographics between case and control groups. The location and depth of the musculature crossing the carpal tunnel were highly variable in all areas evaluated. A significantly positive correlation was found between proximal median nerve CSA and muscle depth in the capitate-hamate area (correlation coefficient = 0.375; p = 0.014). CSA was not significantly associated with chart documented CTS. Conclusions We found large variability in our measurements. This likely reflects true anatomical variation. The significance of our findings depends on the location of the muscles and the line of pull and their effect on the mechanics of the transverse carpal ligament. Future research will focus on refining measurement methodology and understanding the mechanical effect of the muscular structure and insertions on carpal tunnel pressure. Level of Evidence This is a Level 3, case-control study.

Evaluation of occupational and non-occupational risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome in dentists

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are very prevalent among dentists. Of these disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is notable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the occupational and non-occupational risk factors and CTS among dentists. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study. We evaluated 106 dentists from dental schools in Tehran. We collected data by a general questionnaire, a hand diagram, and physical examination. A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test was used to confirm the diagnosis of CTS. The analysis was performed using an independent T-test and logistic regressions on SPSS software. RESULTS: The prevalence of CTS among dentists was 17.9%. Significant risk factors of CTS included: vibration exposure greater than two hours per day (OR: 2.5), a wrist diameter ratio of greater than 0.7 (OR: 10.14), and female sex (OR: 13.38). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to the hand-arm vibration should be considered as an occupational risk factor for CTS in dentists. Female dentists should take more preventive measures.

Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among surgical doctors at Makkah hospitals, KSA

Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among surgical doctors at Makkah hospitals, KSA

Prevalence and individual risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnant women

Background: Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among pregnant women is very much common among the whole population. Due to rapid economic and social changes, an increasing trend of this disorder, as well as its individual risk factors, has also been observed in Pakistan. Objective: The present study aimed to find out the prevalence of CTS in pregnant women and to identify the risk factors associated with CTS in pregnancy. Material &amp; Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey for the prevalence of CTS and a case-control study to find out the risk factors were administered on a sample of n=304 participants of pregnant women of Rawalpindi and Islamabad hospitals for six months from October 2016 to March 2017. Data was collected by non-probability convenient sampling through a self-structured questionnaire. The Association of risk factors was measured by odds ratio. Result: The present study showed the prevalence of CTS is 76(25%) based on Phalen’s test and the prevalence of CTS is 86(28.3%) based on Tinel’s test. History of CTS (OR=3.38) is the most common risk factor. Swelling (OR=2.74) is very common in pregnancy. Other factors including kidney disease, weightlifting, excessive household, cooking, and obesity, use of oral contraceptives, stress, smoking, sewing, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction are also associated with CTS except for Rheumatoid arthritis, computer work and forceful griping. Conclusion: This study showed significant results regarding the prevalence and risk factors of CTS among pregnant women in the hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

ASSESSING CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AMONG ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF OF A HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTION: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Background: Repeated hand and wrist movements increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The administrative staff is one of the high-risk classes that repeatedly involve the execution of identical tasks.&#x0D; Objective: This preliminary study was conducted to determine the prevalence of CTS among administrative staff and identify the socio-demographic and occupational risk factors for this syndrome.&#x0D; Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted amongst administrative staff at one of the higher learning institutions in Pahang, Malaysia. A total of 61 respondents were conveniently sampled according to the inclusion criteria. Respondents were required to undergo three tests (Phallen’s test, Thinel’s test, Durkan’s test) to identify probable CTS and answer questionnaires (socio-demographic background, occupational risk factors, and Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire). Data were analyzed using SPSS, and a Chi-square test was used to identify risk factors for CTS.&#x0D; Results: The average age for respondents was 31.72 (+5.38). The majority of respondents were female (70.5%), with a bachelor’s degree background and below (91.2%), and never used ergonomic tools (68.9%). The prevalence of probable CTS was 16.5% (n=10). There is no statistically significant finding between socio-demographic and occupational risk factors with probable CTS (p &gt;.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The data from this preliminary study revealed no association between the use of computers at work and probable CTS in a higher learning institution. Although the findings are not significant, this study can be used as a baseline for a future longitudinal study for nurses and other healthcare professionals to encourage good occupational and environmental health.