Prevalence Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research Articles

When is it safe to operate after the failure of therapeutic steroid injections in carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a multifactorial neuropathy caused by the compression of the median nerve due to its entrapment as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. It accounts for nearly 90% of neuropathies and usually presents as numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain. These symptoms are predominantly present in the thumb, second finger, third finger, and radial half of the hand's fourth finger. In the US, CTS has a prevalence of 50 per 1,000, which is similar to the prevalence in other developed countries.1 Overall, the prevalence of CTS in the general population in developed countries ranges from 3% to 6%, whereas the prevalence of CTS in developing countries like Pakistan has been reported to be from 10% to 15%.2 The management of mild to moderate CTS ranges from conservative management, including ultrasound therapy using the pulsed mode, wrist splinting, and tendon gliding exercises, to Neuro-mobilization.3 On the other hand, the management of moderate to severe CTS, which is unresponsive to the above-mentioned therapies comprises therapeutic steroid injections and surgical decompression of the median nerve. In many cases, surgical decompression is used as a last resort after the failure of therapeutic steroid injections. However, studies have shown that surgical decompression in these cases is associated with poor postoperative outcomes, including increased risk of pain and paresthesia.4 Furthermore, such cases are also associated with an increased risk of surgical site infections, non-infectious wound complications, and 1 year-reoperation. The risk of these complications is maximum when surgery is performed within 30 days of the last therapeutic steroid injection along with a high number of therapeutic steroid injections (infections 1.77%, non-infectious complications 1.12%, 1-year re-operation 2.09%), and is minimal when performed from 90 to 180 days of the last therapeutic steroid injection with a low number of therapeutic steroid injections (infections 1.19%, non-infectious complications 0.44%, 1-year re-operation 1.58%). Therefore, surgical decompression of the median nerve should be delayed for 90 to 180 days after the last therapeutic steroid injection, depending on the severity.5 There is a high prevalence of CTS in developing countries like Pakistan and therapeutic steroid injections are frequently prescribed as first-line treatment for moderate to severe CTS. ---Continue

Prevalence of endoscopy-related injuries and their impact on clinical practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endoscopy-related musculoskeletal injuries (ERIs) are commonly reported but their exact prevalence and clinical impact remain obscure. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature aiming to answer these questions. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies evaluating ERIs in gastroenterologists and surgeons. The co-primary outcome was the prevalence of ERIs (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, and hand numbness). The second co-primary outcome was the prevalence of endoscopy-related pain syndromes. 12 studies, including 4563 respondents, were included. The majority of respondents were men (n = 3321; 72.8%) and most were right-handed (86.2%). The career prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (pooled from 10 studies) was 5.3% (95%CI 1.5%-8.9%; I 2 = 97.1%), while the prevalence of de Quervain's tenosynovitis (five studies) was 8.5% (95%CI 0.1%-17.0%). The pooled prevalences of thumb pain, neck pain, and back pain were 25.4%, 23.1%, and 19.7%, respectively, but the prevalence varied according to the type of questionnaire used. Only 341/864 respondents (39.5%) had received prior training in ergonomics, while 623/889 respondents (70.1%) expressed a desire for further training in ergonomics. Overall, there is a moderate risk of bias in the present literature. ERIs, including carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, and endoscopy-related pain, are very common. These injuries can be severe, requiring surgery, and lead to loss of productivity. Most gastroenterologists report an unmet need for training in the proper ergonomics of endoscopy.

Carpal tunnel release in the dialysis-dependent population: Incidence and outcomes

Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective case-control study. BackgroundThe association between dialysis and carpal tunnel syndrome is well-established. As the number of patients living with dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) increases, it is important that we understand outcomes after carpal tunnel release in this population. PurposeTo investigate (1) the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in dialysis-dependent patients, (2) the incidence of carpal tunnel release (CTR), and (3) the differences in complications after CTR between hemodialysis patients, peritoneal dialysis patients, and matched controls. Patients and methodsQuerying the PearlDiver database, we determined prevalence of CTS and incidence of CTR in dialysis-dependent and control patients. We compared peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients to matched populations of hemodialysis (HD) patients and non-dialysis-dependent controls. Complications were identified, including hospital admission, emergency department visits, infection, revision surgery, and postoperative chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS). ResultsThe rates of CTS and CTR in dialysis patients were significantly increased relative to controls. Dialysis-dependent patients had increased rates of hospital admission within 30 days postoperatively (OR 4.13, P ​< ​.0001 for PD; OR 4.42, P ​< ​.0001 for HD), infection within 6 months postoperatively (OR 2.32, P ​= ​.013 for PD; OR 3.20, P ​< ​.0001 for HD), and need for revision CTR (OR 2.04, P ​= ​.009 for PD; OR 1.62, P ​= ​.037 for HD). Emergency department presentation within 30 days postoperatively was less common in PD vs HD (OR 0.63, P ​= ​.038). ConclusionsWhen compared to the control population, patients undergoing dialysis are more likely to be diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, undergo carpal tunnel release, and are at significantly increased risk for perioperative complications.

The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with epilepsy

ObjectiveCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common type of entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Epilepsy is characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal neuronal discharges in the brain.This study aimed to investigate whether there is a link between epilepsy and carpal tunnel and, if so, the underlying factors. Materials and methodsTwo hundred patients with epilepsy were included in this study. The patients' history of epilepsy, seizure type, and seizure frequency were assessed. The Tinel, Phalen, and Flick physical examination tests were performed on patients with complaints that matched those of median nerve neuropathy. Patients with epilepsy and clinically diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome completed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, and nerve conduction studies were performed. The relationship between seizure type and frequency in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome was compared. ResultsCompared to focal-aware motor-onset seizures, the risk of detecting carpal tunnel syndrome was 88.7 times higher in focal-onset bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. Patients with a seizure frequency of one per month or more had a 0.704 times lower risk of CTS than those with a frequency of one per week or more (p = 0.026). DiscussionPatients with epilepsy, especially those experiencing frequent seizures or specific seizure types, may be more susceptible to repetitive wrist flexion-extension postures. Therefore, during clinical follow-up, it is important to inquire about the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with epilepsy.

Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition during pregnancy, associated with symptoms like tingling, numbness, and pain in the hand and arm due to median nerve compression. The prevalence and severity of CTS can increase due to physiological changes during pregnancy, such as fluid retention and hormonal fluctuations. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CTS in pregnant women, identify the trimester with the highest occurrence, and assess the effectiveness of Phalen's and Durkan compression tests in diagnosing CTS during pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at Akhtar Saeed Trust Teaching Hospital and Farooq Hospital, Lahore, involving 121 pregnant women. Participants were selected using non-probability convenience sampling and were divided by trimester. The diagnosis of CTS was confirmed through Phalen's and Durkan compression tests. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with a chi-square test to evaluate the association between CTS prevalence and pregnancy trimester. Results: The prevalence of CTS among the participants was identified as 33.1% with Phalen's test and 55.4% with Durkan's compression test. The third trimester showed the highest occurrence of CTS symptoms, with a significant increase in prevalence (p=0.005 for Phalen’s test and p=0.394 for Durkan compression test). The frequency of CTS symptoms was 28.9% in the first trimester, 32.2% in the second trimester, and 38.8% in the third trimester. Conclusion: The study confirms that CTS is prevalent among pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the increased risk of CTS during pregnancy and the importance of early diagnosis and management to alleviate symptoms.

Prevalence and Awareness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Adults in Tabuk City of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition when the median nerve is entrapped and compressed within the wrist. It significantly affects the quality of life and work productivity of the affected individuals. Aim This study aimedto assess the prevalence of CTS and the risk factors associated withthis condition amongthegeneral population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, andto explore their knowledge of the causes, manifestations, and treatment options. Methods This cross-sectional studyincluded male and female adult residents of Tabuk City aged 18 years and above who agreed to participate in the study. Datawerecollected using an online, self-administered questionnaire thatwas distributed to the publicusingdifferentsocial mediaplatforms. Results In this study, the prevalence of CTS was 3.4%.The presence of chronic diseases was a significant risk factor for the CTS (p = 0.003). Participants having chronic diseases were 6.370 times more likely to develop CTS (AOR: 6.370, 95%CI: 2.048 to 19.817). The participants had good levels of awareness about the causes (89.3%), clinical manifestations, and treatment of CTS (92.2%). There was a significant association between the level of knowledge about the causes of CTS and gender (p=0.014). Females (74.3%)showed a higher level of knowledge than males (25.7%). As well, the young (18-25) age group (67.9%)was more significantly aware of the causes of CTS in comparison to the other age groups (p=0.023). Conclusion The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome amongtheadult population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, was 3.4%, andthe significant underlying risk factorswere chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis. The level of awareness of CTS was satisfactory.

Effect of Laser Therapy, Neurodynamic Stabilization and Strengthening Exercises on Hand Function in Patients of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Rheumatoid Arthritis- A Narrative Review

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy in which median nerve is compressed or squeezed at the wrist level in the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most prevalent neurological complication in the rheumatoid arthritis patients. The prevalence of CTS in RA ranged from 3.5% to 22.8 %. Tenosynovitis, inflammation of the synovial tissue of the flexor tendons, can cause increased pressure in the carpal tunnel and result in CTS. Hand function is usually affected in carpel tunnel syndrome which affects the daily living performance by affecting both gross motor activities like grasping, carrying, holding and fine motor activities like writing, gripping and buttoning the shirts. Laser therapy, also called as photo biomodulation, can reduce pain, inflammation, swelling and synovitis. The dexterity and functionality of the hands improved through hand and wrist stretching and strengthening exercises.&#x0D; Objective: To find out the effect of laser therapy, neurodynamic mobilization exercises and strengthening exercises on hand function in patients of carpal tunnel syndrome with rheumatoid arthritis.&#x0D; Study selection: This narrative review is conducted on databases from Pubmed, Google scholar, scopus, web of knowledge, Virtual Health Library, Research Gate and Cochrane library in Nov 2023.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome among orthopedic surgeons working in Riyadh, KSA

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and its associated risk factors among orthopedic surgeons working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among orthopedic surgeons working in multiple hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected from the participants through Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). Results: This study enrolled 151 orthopedic surgeons. Around 39.1% were aged between 25 and 29 years old, with males being dominant (88.1%). And 39.7% were overweight (25 – 29.9 kg/m2). Most of them were right-handed (93.4%). The prevalence of surgeons who were diagnosed with CTS was 3.3%. Around 20.5% were consultant surgeons with 57.6% had 1 to 5 years of experience and 55.6% had 5 or less performed surgeries per week. The overall mean score of the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) domain was 13 (SD 4.12), with 62.3% considered as having no symptoms. Regarding the Functional Status Scale (FSS) domain, the total mean score was 8.38 (SD 1.49), with nearly all categorized as no difficulty (83.4%). It was observed that increasing SSS score was associated with increasing BMI level (Z=2.164; p=0.030) and performing arthroscopic procedures (Z=2.653; p=0.008), while a higher FSS score was more associated with conducting arthroscopic procedures (Z=1.438; p=0.021) Conclusion: The prevalence of mild to severe CTS symptoms among orthopedic surgeons was 37.7%. Increased severity was more prevalent among surgeons with elevated body mass index, while those regularly dealing with arthroscopic procedures had increased symptom severity and functional difficulties.

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

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.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Motorbike Riders: Prevalence, Severity, and Implications for Occupational Health

The clinical diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is based on a collection of symptoms and indicators that point to compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Objective: To find out the severity, functional status, and pain of carpal tunnel syndrome in motorbike riders using BCTQ and NPRS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 months on 169 motorbike riders in Faisalabad based on inclusion and exclusion criteria after obtaining consent. Phalen test was used to see carpal tunnel syndrome. Pain identification was done by using BCTQ in the selected subjects. Data were evaluated by SPSS version 22. Pearson Chi-Square test was applied for BCTQ symptom severity and functional limitation. Results: Data showed that all 169 participants were men. It also demonstrated that 42% fall in the category of 20-24 years, 33.1% fall in the 25-29 years category, and 24.9% fall in the age category of 30-34 years. The distribution showed that the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome by the Phalen test was 13% (22) among motorbike riders (169). Conclusions: Bike riding is an occupational hazard for CTS. To lower the risk of CTS in occupations involving motorbike riders, programs utilizing ergonomic and industrial hygiene improvement must be developed and implemented. The study showed that the prevalence of CTS among motorbike riders was 13% and the mean ± S.D was 1.869 ± .3375.

Awareness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among the Middle-Aged Population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a common and often underdiagnosed condition, imposes a significant burden on individuals, particularly in middle-aged populations. This study aims to assess the awareness and prevalence of CTS among middle-aged residents in Riyadh, highlighting the crucial need for targeted educational initiatives to address knowledge gaps. Methodology A cross-sectional study design was employed to capture a snapshot of CTS awareness and prevalence among the middle-aged population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participantsaged 40-60residing in Riyadhwere included. A self-reported questionnaire gathered data on demographics, CTS diagnosis, and awareness levels regarding symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and the impact of CTS. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests. Results We collected 415 valid responses to the questionnaire. The demographic profile revealed a balanced gender distribution, with 48.4% (n=201) males and 51.6% (n=214) females, and a majority (66.5%; n=276) within the 40-50 age range. A substantial 87.2% (n=362) reported no prior CTS diagnosis. Neuroimaging studies were infrequently conducted at 15.9% (n=66). Participants exhibited significant knowledge gaps, notably in the awareness of CTS diagnosis 66.3% (n=275) uncertainty, symptoms 55.4% (n=230) lack of knowledge, and risk factors 54.7% (n=227) lack of awareness. The results indicated uncertainty regarding the relationship between CTS and diabetes 63.9% (n=265) and knowledge gaps on anesthesia methods for CTS operations 64.1% (n=294). The association between age and CTS diagnosis was significant (p-value0.004), while awareness did not significantly vary with gender or age. Conclusion This study unveils a substantial lack of awareness about CTS among the middle-aged population in Riyadh, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions. The prevalence of CTS remains underreported, with a notable gap in understanding symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments; the findings underscore the vital importance of targeted educational programs designed to raise public awareness, bridge information gaps, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their hand health.

Reported Symptoms and Associated Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Qassim Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, occurring through compression of the median nerve as it passes under the transverse carpal ligament. Symptoms include nocturnal pain and paresthesias confined to the thumb, middle, and index fingers. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of CTS symptoms and the associated risk factors in Qassim Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A total of 314 participants were recruited from Qassim Province using an online survey, which included demographic questions and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). The association between categorical variables was assessed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Additionally, an independent t-test was performed to compare quantitative variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The prevalence of CTS in the Qassim population was found to be 19.7%. The most significant risk factors for CTS were age, chronic illnesses, and employment status (p < 0.001). The most frequently reported symptoms included daytime pain and weakness (82.3%), while obesity emerged as the most prevalent chronic disease (21%). The mean symptom severity score (SSS) was significantly higher for individuals who were awoken from pain (t = -5.89; p < 0.001) and for those who experienced awakening due to numbness and tingling (t = -5.59; p < 0.001). Conclusion According to our sampled cohort, 19.7% of individuals had symptoms of CTS etiology. Multiple risk factors for CTS were identified. Notably, the development of CTS symptoms was significantly associated with individuals aged 50 and older, employment status, and the presence of related chronic diseases.

Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms among neurosurgical spine surgeons

BackgroundNeurosurgeons, particularly spine surgeons, have high exposure to vibrations via electric or pneumatic drills and repetitive motion. Although no data exist for the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among these surgeons, anecdotal evidence suggests the rate of symptoms is higher than in the general population. MethodsAn anonymous questionnaire was developed to assess demographics, practice patterns, presence of CTS symptoms, and treatment (time off, bracing, medication, injections, surgery). The survey was sent via anonymous email link to members of the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerve. Results101 members responded: 44 reported at least one symptom related to CTS (43.6%). There was no statistically significant relationship between overall or spine case volume, the number of cases performed annually/daily, and CTS symptoms. Respondents working in non-teaching settings were significantly more likely to have CTS symptoms than academic teaching institutions (50.0% v. 45.0%; p = 0.0112). ConclusionsOur survey demonstrated CTS to be more prevalent in spine neurosurgeons (43.6%) than in the general population (1–5%). The lack of significant association between most practice-based metrics and CTS symptoms may indicate that respondents have a minimum case volume that exceeds the amount of vibration exposure/repetitive motion to develop symptoms. The significantly increased prevalence of CTS among neurosurgeons at non-teaching institutions suggests that residents provide operative assistance offsetting the vibration exposure/repetitive motion by attendings. Further research may determine the root cause for the high prevalence of CTS in spine neurosurgeons and devise methods for reducing vibration exposure.

The prevalence of double- and multiple crush syndromes in patients surgically treated for peripheral nerve compression in the upper limb

ObjectiveThe double crush syndrome describes a condition characterized by multifocal entrapment of a nerve. In the upper limb, the high prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome makes it a common diagnosis of assumption in the setting of median neuropathy. More proximal compressions may tend to be overlooked, under-diagnosed and under-treated in the population. This study aims to map the prevalence of peripheral upper limb nerve compressions among patients undergoing peripheral nerve decompression. MethodsA prospective case series was conducted on 183 patients undergoing peripheral nerve decompression in a private hand surgery clinic. Level(s) of nerve compression in the median, ulnar and radial nerves were determined by history and physical examination. The prevalence of each nerve compression syndrome or combination of syndromes was analyzed. ResultsA total of 320 upper limbs in 183 patients were analyzed. A double crush of the median nerve at the levels of the lacertus fibrosus and carpal tunnel was identified in 78% of upper limbs with median neuropathy, whereas isolated lacertus syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome were present in only 5% and 17% of affected limbs respectively. Cubital tunnel syndrome affected 12.5% of upper limbs, and 80% of these had concomitant lacertus and carpal tunnel syndromes, compared to only 7.5% with isolated cubital tunnel syndrome. ConclusionA high prevalence should prompt clinicians towards more routine assessment for double crush syndrome to avoid misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, recurrence, and revision surgeries.

Characteristics of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with cervical radiculopathy: A cross-sectional study.

Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is a group of signs and symptoms caused by cervical root dysfunction. Patients with this condition may also have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. This coexistent condition is referred to as double crush syndrome (DCS) which is explained by proximal disruption in axoplasmic flow that may result in nerve dysfunction. Yet, the accuracy of this hypothesis remains controversial. Patients with confirmed CR according to electromyography were included in this retrospective study. However, we omitted patients with overt diabetic neuropathy, prior spinal or hand surgery and/or fractures, and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients underwent electrodiagnostic studies, and the results were used to determine CTS severity. We used Pearson's χ 2 test to assess the correlation between the severity of CTS and CR. Descriptive analysis was used to report patient characteristics and the prevalence of CTS in CR patients. We included 291 participants, 59% of whom were women. Although insignificant, DCS was observed more in women (n = 110) compared to men (n = 71). However, we found that patients with DCS (54.81 ± 13.3) were older than non-DCS patients (43.71 ± 12.94) which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was statistically no correlation between the severity of CR and CTS, ipsilaterlly (p > 0.05). In total, CTS was observed in 62.2% (n = 181) patients. In summary, we found a relatively high prevalence of DCS in the present study. In patients with and without DCS, gender did not seem to play a role but the growing age seemed to contribute to DCS. The severity of CTS was not related to CR severity at any cervical level, which negates a causal relation between the pre-existing CR and newly diagnosed CTS.

Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dentists: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among dental surgeons and the effect of possible moderators on it. Methods: A systematic literature search (Medline and Scopus databases) was conducted independently by two reviewers. Only observational studies that examined specifically the prevalence rates of CTS among dentists were included.Quality assessment was performed. The pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated. Outlier and influential analysis were conducted. Moderator analysis was performed in order the effect of categorical and continuous variables on the estimated prevalence to be investigated. Results: In total, ten eligible studies (3,547 participants) were finally included in this meta-analysis. Two of them were estimated as high quality (low risk of bias) and the remaining ones as moderate quality (moderate risk of bias).The overall prevalence of CTS among dental surgeons was estimated as 9.87% (95%CI 6.84%-14.03%) with significant heterogeneity between studies. No study was identified as influential. Potential sources of heterogeneity were not identified through meta-regression analysis. In the subgroup analysis the prevalence was 12.47% (95%CI 6.38%-22.95%) for the group identified as having CTS through medical history and at least clinical examination or electrodiagnostic testing and 8.56% (95%CI 5.53%-13.01%) among those who identified solely through questionnaire. Conclusions: Our findings are important to provide the pooled prevalence of CTS among dentists. Our results were based on highly heterogeneous studies. Our study reports a considerable prevalence, consequently, significance of awareness among dental surgeons regarding the etiology of this issue is more than necessary. More studies need to be conducted that could guide researchers in order this issue to be fully investigated.

Worldwide prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dental health care personnel - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one such common disorder among dental health care personnel caused due to the entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. We aimed to evaluate the pooled estimates of the CTS among dental healthcare personnel. Methods: We systematically reviewed the existing literature from six databases till January 1st, 2022. Studies reported in English along with the prevalence of CTS or where prevalence could be calculated were included. Independent screening of title and abstracts, and the full text was done by two examiners. Information collected was authors, year of publication, geographic location, type of dental healthcare personnel, sample size, distribution of age, sex, CTS, method of diagnosis, and risk of bias. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled estimates. Results: Thirty-seven studies yielded 38 estimates. A total of 17,152 dental health care personnel were included of which 2717 had CTS. The overall pooled prevalence of CTS among the included studies was 15%, with a high heterogeneity. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in the pooled estimates of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.52 -1.02; I2= 69.71). The pooled estimates among the dentist and dental auxiliaries were 20% and 10%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of CTS with self-reported measures, clinical examination and NCS were 21%, 13% and 8% respectively. Meta-regression showed that the prevalence estimates were significantly associated with publication year (coefficient: 0.006; 95% CI= 0.002-0.01). Conclusion: One out of seven dental health care personnel may be affected by CTS. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel.

Uporaba računala na radu i sindrom karpalnog kanala

There are many discussions regarding the impact of computer work, especially computer mouse use, in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The mechanism of such damage could be pressure or stretching of the median nerve in the carpal canal area. There is evidence that repetitive motion along with the use of force is a factor that contributes to the development of CTS, but computer work consists of mostly repetitive movements, without the use of force. Studies show that the prevalence of CTS in computer workers is similar to its prevalence in the general population. The general aim of this paper is to perform a literature search on the topic of whether there is a causal link between computer work and the development of CTS. The first specific goal is to try to quantitatively determine a relationship between exposure time and the development of symptoms, and the second specific goal is to try to set criteria, or guidelines, for the recognition of CTS as an occupational disease for those working on computers. A literature search on the databases ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. The key words used were: carpal tunnel syndrome AND computer work OR computer exposure OR keyboard use OR mouse use AND systematic review OR prospective cohort. The last search was performed on March 15, 2021. A total of 12 studies were included in this paper. The results were contradictory. Nine studies state that computer work does not pose an increased risk of CTS development. Two studies found that longer-term mouse use of more than 20 hours per week and keyboard use of more than 240,500,000 strokes per year may be associated with the development of CTS. One study showed people have a lower risk of developing CTSwhen working on a computer. We cannot determine with certainty the connection between computer work and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. This calls into question the recognition of CTS as an occupational disease among those working on computers. Better planning and structured studies are needed to determine the intensity and duration of computer exposure and the level of damage to the median nerve, and then set criteria for the recognition of CTS as an occupational disease in these circumstances. Regardless of whether we recognize a particular disease as occupational, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures so that these health problems do not even occur, thereby keeping workers healthy and productive for as long as possible.

Prevalence of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome among IT Professionals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem that is caused by the pressure exerted on the medial nerve which causes pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness in the arm and hand. This syndrome is mostly related to repetitive movement of the hand and wrists. The current study aimed to find out the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated symptoms among IT professionals. The main objective of this study was to identify the incidence of carpel tunnel syndrome and its associated symptoms among IT professionals. This Cross-Sectional Survey was conducted on 400 IT professionals working at the IT departments of Pak China Investment Company Limited, Attock Refinery Limited, and Pakistan Statistical House of Data. The sampling technique for the selection of research subjects was purposive sampling. The data was collected through a self-structured questionnaire for carpal tunnel syndrome. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23. Out of 400 participants the total numbers of males reported were 212 (53%) and the total number of female reported in this study was 188 (47%). The mean age ± SD of participants reported in this study was 43.05 ±7.71 years. For mean ± SD of total working hours came out to be as 9.2 ± 1.5 hours per day. Out of 400 participants, 108(18.2%) reported tingling and numbness in their hands. The mean ± SD for the right and left wrist joint flexion range of motion was 64o± 12.8. For the extension range of motion mean ±SD for extension in both right and left wrist joints was 64o± 12.8. For ulnar deviation in both the right and left wrist joints of the individuals mean ± SD was 24o± 8.30. For radial deviation in both the right and left wrist joints of the individuals mean ± SD was 20o± 5.53. It was concluded that a relatively low prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was found among IT professionals. However, IT professionals were also experiencing discomfort and pain in their wrist/hand region due to their work. This unpleasant experience of pain and discomfort could be a future predictor of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The applicability of Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire as a screening tool for carpal tunnel syndrome among potential high-risk female population in the West Bank: a cross-sectional study.

This study aims to identify the ability of BCTQ to detect symptoms and functional limitations of CTS among the potential high-risk population. This study is a cross-sectional study involving 366 females, aged 30-60 years, residents of the West Bank, Palestine. Data was collected using BCTQ to assess participants' symptoms severity and functional limitations. Symptoms were reported in 72.4% of participants, while functional limitations were reported in 64.2%. Very severe symptoms were found in 1.1% of the study population, and very severe functional limitations were reported in 1.4% only. BCTQ reliability testing via Cronbach alpha showed a score of 0.937 and 0.922 for symptom severity and functional limitations scales, respectively. The most common reported symptom was pain during the daytime, while the 'household chores' was the most common functional limitation. This study showed that many participants reported symptoms and functional limitations of CTS without a prior diagnosis. The BCTQ can potentially be used as a screening tool for middle-aged females in the West Bank, Palestine, as it showed strong applicability. However, this study could not compute the actual prevalence of CTS due to the lack of access to clinical and electrophysiological confirmation.