The frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users at a medical facility

Neurology. 2001 Jun 12;56(11):1568-70. doi: 10.1212/wnl.56.11.1568.

Abstract

A survey was done of employees who were identified as frequent computer users. Although 29.6% of the employees reported hand paresthesias, only 27 employees (10.5%) met clinical criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome, and in 9 (3.5%) the syndrome was confirmed by nerve conduction studies. Affected and unaffected employees had similar occupations, years using a computer, and time using the computer during the day. The frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users is similar to that in the general population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Computers*
  • Female
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires