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Dahlin LB, Zimmerman M, Calcagni M, Hundepool CA, van Alfen N, Chung KC. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:37. [PMID: 38782929 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00521-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment disorder worldwide. The epidemiology and risk factors, including family burden, for developing CTS are multi-factorial. Despite much research, its intricate pathophysiological mechanism(s) are not fully understood. An underlying subclinical neuropathy may indicate an increased susceptibility to developing CTS. Although surgery is often performed for CTS, clear international guidelines to indicate when to perform non-surgical or surgical treatment, based on stage and severity of CTS, remain to be elucidated. Neurophysiological examination, using electrophysiology or ultrasonography, performed in certain circumstances, should correlate with the history and findings in clinical examination of the person with CTS. History and clinical examination are particularly relevant globally owing to lack of other equipment. Various instruments are used to assess CTS and treatment outcomes as well as the effect of the disorder on quality of life. The surgical treatment options of CTS - open or endoscopic - offer an effective solution to mitigate functional impairments and pain. However, there are risks of post-operative persistent or recurrent symptoms, requiring meticulous diagnostic re-evaluation before any additional surgery. Health-care professionals should have increased awareness about CTS and all its implications. Future considerations of CTS include use of linked national registries to understand risk factors, explore possible screening methods, and evaluate diagnosis and treatment with a broader perspective beyond surgery, including psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars B Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Malin Zimmerman
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Orthopedics, Helsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Maurizio Calcagni
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline A Hundepool
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nens van Alfen
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Clinical Neuromuscular Imaging Group, Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin C Chung
- Professor of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Rotaru-Zavaleanu AD, Lungulescu CV, Bunescu MG, Vasile RC, Gheorman V, Gresita A, Dinescu VC. Occupational Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: a scoping review of causes, mechanisms, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1407302. [PMID: 38841666 PMCID: PMC11150592 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1407302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has traditionally been viewed as a specialized medical condition. However, its escalating prevalence among professionals across a multitude of industries has sparked substantial interest in recent years. This review aims to delve into CTS as an occupational disease, focusing on its epidemiological patterns, risk factors, symptoms, and management options, particularly emphasizing its relevance in professional environments. The complex interaction of anatomical, biomechanical, and pathophysiological factors that contribute to the development of CTS in different work settings underlines the critical role of ergonomic measures, prompt clinical identification, and tailored treatment plans in reducing its effects. Nevertheless, the challenges presented by existing research, including diverse methodologies and definitions, highlight the need for more unified protocols to thoroughly understand and tackle this issue. There's a pressing demand for more in-depth research into the epidemiology of CTS, its injury mechanisms, and the potential role of targeted medicine. Moreover, recognizing CTS's wider ramifications beyond personal health is essential. The economic burden associated with CTS-related healthcare costs, productivity losses, and compensation claims can significantly impact both businesses and the broader society. Therefore, initiatives aimed at preventing CTS through workplace interventions, education, and early intervention programs not only benefit the affected individuals but also contribute to the overall well-being of the workforce and economic productivity. By fostering a collaborative approach among healthcare professionals, employers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, we can strive towards creating safer and healthier work environments while effectively managing the challenges posed by CTS in occupational settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marius Gabriel Bunescu
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Victor Gheorman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andrei Gresita
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY, United States
| | - Venera Cristina Dinescu
- Department of Health Promotion and Occupational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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Huang WT, Wang CT, Ho CH, Chen YC, Ho YC, Hsu CC, Lin HJ, Wang JJ, Mau LP, Huang CC. Carpal tunnel syndrome in dentists compared to other populations: A nationwide population-based study in Taiwan. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287351. [PMID: 37352286 PMCID: PMC10289445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dentists may be at a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) because of their use of frequent wrist and vibratory instruments at work; however, this issue remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to clarify it. METHODS Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was used for this nationwide population-based study. We identified 11,084 dentists, 74,901 non-dentist healthcare professionals (HCPs), and identical number of age- and sex-matched participants from the general population. Participants who had the diagnosis of CTS before 2007 were excluded. Between 2007 and 2011, the risk of developing CTS among dentists, non-dentist HCPs, and the general population was compared by following their medical histories. RESULTS The cumulative incidence rate of CTS among dentists was 0.5% during the 5-year follow-up period. In dentists, the risk was higher in women (women: 0.7%; men: 0.4%) and older individuals (≥60 years: 1.0%; <60 years: 0.4%). After adjusting for age, sex, and underlying comorbidities, dentists had a lower risk of CTS than the general population (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-0.92). Dentists had a higher risk for CTS compared with non-dentist HCPs, although the difference was not statistically significant (AOR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.90-1.64). CONCLUSIONS In CTS, dentists had a lower risk than the general population and a trend of higher risk than non-dentist HCPs. The difference between dentists and non-dentist HCPs suggests that we should pay attention to dentists for potential occupational risk of this disease. However, further studies are warranted to better clarify it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ta Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ti Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Han Ho
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Information Management, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Ho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chin Hsu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jung Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jhi-Joung Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Ping Mau
- Department of Periodontics, Chi Mei Hospital, Chiali, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Senior Welfare and Services, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Cheng Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen university, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Wu J, McCullough M, Panisset MG, Galea MP. Prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals: A scoping review. Work 2022; 72:91-108. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-205257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are highly prevalent among dental professionals. Studies examining the prevention of dental work-related MSDs have been completed globally. OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate the available evidence regarding MSD prevention in dental practice, and to identify knowledge gaps. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted across multiple scientific databases. Identified articles were assessed according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Systematic reviews, interventions and published expert opinion were included. RESULTS: Five systematic reviews, 27 intervention studies and 21 expert opinion articles were included. There was overall consensus that use of ergonomic equipment is beneficial in MSD prevention. Knowledge gaps identified included: a lack of systematic reviews on the role of exercise and therapy in MSD prevention; a lack of high-quality intervention studies; a lack of research in general outside of ergonomic equipment use. Expert opinion articles have been published despite a lack of dental-specific research. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst more robust research is required, current evidence supports the use of optical enhancement, saddle chairs, and wide-diameter silicone-handled instruments in MSD prevention. Knowledge gaps were identified relating to the use of exercise, therapy, and education in the prevention of dental work-related MSDs. Further research is required, specifically high-quality intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Wu
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael McCullough
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maya G. Panisset
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary P. Galea
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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AlKhodier H, Alqahtani M, Alshenaifi A, Alnuwaiser M. Prevalence of First Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Dentists in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e23876. [PMID: 35530881 PMCID: PMC9074908 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Vihlborg P, Pettersson H, Makdoumi K, Wikström S, Bryngelsson IL, Selander J, Graff P. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hand-Arm Vibration: A Swedish National Registry Case-Control Study. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:197-201. [PMID: 34873137 PMCID: PMC8887848 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in men and women with hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure. DESIGN Case-control study of CTS where 4396 cases was obtained from National Outpatient Register between 2005 through 2016. Cases were matched to controls and exposure was estimated using a job exposure matrix. RESULTS Exposure to HAV increased the risk of CTS with an OR of 1.61 (95% CI 1.46-1.77). The risk was highest in men <30 years of age and among women <30 years no increased risk was observed. The risk increased with a mean year exposure above 2.5 m/s2 to OR 1.84 (95% CI 1.38-2.46). CONCLUSIONS HAV exposure increase the risk of CTS in both genders, with highest risk increase in younger men. This emphasize identification of HAV exposure in patients with CTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Vihlborg
- Department of Geriatrics and Odensbackens Health Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Dr Vihlborg); School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Dr Wikström); Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden (Dr Pettersson); Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Dr Makdoumi); Center for Clinical Research and Education, County Council of Värmland, Sweden (Dr Wikström); Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Mr Bryngelsson); Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Selander); National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway (Dr Graff)
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Afshar MK, Faryabi R, Afshar MK, Torabi M. Evaluation of the Frequency of Occupational Hazards Among a Group of Iranian General Dentists and its Prevention Criteria. PESQUISA BRASILEIRA EM ODONTOPEDIATRIA E CLÍNICA INTEGRADA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/pboci.2022.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Maghsoudipour M, Hosseini F, Coh P, Garib S. Evaluation of occupational and non-occupational risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome in dentists. Work 2021; 69:181-186. [PMID: 33998581 DOI: 10.3233/wor-213467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Maghsoudipour
- Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fereshteh Hosseini
- Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paul Coh
- Medical School, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Seifolah Garib
- School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Lo VEW, Chao SM, Tu HH. Normative Hand Strength of Healthcare Industry Workers in Central Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010187. [PMID: 33383773 PMCID: PMC7795098 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to establish the norms of hand grip strength in the healthcare industry in Taiwan and propose models to predict the strength of hand movement by regression with demographic and anthropometric factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a stratified convenience sample of workers in healthcare service industries in central Taiwan. Three hundred twenty-nine healthy subjects were recruited. Strength of different hand movement were tested three times in both hands and rests were given between tests. Results: Female strength of these hand movement was 59.1% to 73.0% that in males (p < 0.001). In general, the hand strength of male workers in the healthcare industry was less than that of male workers in the manufacturing industry (p < 0.001). In the prediction model, sex and weight played important roles in predicting hand strength. Conclusions: The norms of different types of hand strength was investigated the first time in workers in the healthcare industry in Taiwan. The tasks performed by healthcare personnel vary widely, and this variable should be considered in a future prediction model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ei-Wen Lo
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, China Medical University, Taichung City 40604, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-2296-7979 (ext. 6213)
| | - Shu-Min Chao
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, China Medical University, Taichung City 40604, Taiwan;
| | - Hsin-Hung Tu
- Department of Computer-Aided Industrial Design, Overseas Chinese University, Taichung City 40721, Taiwan;
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Meisha DE, Alsharqawi NS, Samarah AA, Al-Ghamdi MY. Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic practice among dentists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent 2019; 11:171-179. [PMID: 31308760 PMCID: PMC6615716 DOI: 10.2147/ccide.s204433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is the second most common cause of disability. MSD due to the occupation are called work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and are common among dentists. Objective Assess the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and to identify associated ergonomic practice among dentists practicing in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. Methods Dentists practicing in Jeddah were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey. The survey consisted of 20 close-ended questions. The survey included questions regarding demographics, dental practice, general health status, exercising, ergonomic practice, musculoskeletal pain location, the severity of pain using a numeric pain rating scale (0–10), interventions sought, and missed work due to WMSD. Results A sample of 234 dentists participated in this study. Prevalence of WMSD was found to be 70%. The most common location for WMSD pain was in the low back (85%) and neck (84.6%). Female dentists and dentists not exercising regularly had an increased risk of WMSD. The prevalence of CTS was 9%, and its risk increased with age and practicing in the private sector. Among the dental specialties, the least to report WMSD or CTS were maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists. The reported ergonomic practice reached as low as 24%. Conclusion Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and inadequate ergonomic practices were common. Ergonomics training intervention programs targeting dentists is suggested as a preventive measure for longer and healthier career lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia E Meisha
- Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nujud S Alsharqawi
- Dental Department, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad A Samarah
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Y Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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De Sio S, Traversini V, Rinaldo F, Colasanti V, Buomprisco G, Perri R, Mormone F, La Torre G, Guerra F. Ergonomic risk and preventive measures of musculoskeletal disorders in the dentistry environment: an umbrella review. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4154. [PMID: 29362689 PMCID: PMC5772380 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dental practitioners are exposed to different occupational hazards during the course of their professional activity, such as physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic factors. The ergonomic hazards, caused by strained posture and prolonged repetitive movements, can induce musculoskeletal disorders. It occurs in 54–93% of dental professionals and involve the spine, shoulder and hand-wrist tract. Through a systematic review of international literature, we analyzed specific ergonomic risk factors and preventive measures of musculoskeletal disorders in professional dental activity. Methods This systematic review is coherent with the PRISMA statement. The scientific research on the major online databases was based on the following keywords: dentist, prevention, ergonomic, dentistry, musculoskeletal, neck pain, posture, ergonomics, work and occupational. The studies included in this review focus on disorders related to ergonomics and on the most effective preventive measures to be adopted. No restrictions were applied for language or publication type. We excluded reports not related to ergonomic prevention in dentistry, reports of minor academic significance, editorial articles, individual contributions, and studies published in scientific conferences. Results Online research indicated 4188 references: PubMed (2919), Scopus (1257) e Cochrane Library (12). We excluded 3012 of these, because they were unrelated to ergonomics theme and 187 due to duplication. From the remaining 989 studies, 960 papers did not meet inclusion criteria and they were excluded. Therefore, we analyzed 29 articles, including 16 narrative reviews and 13 original article. The main risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders found in our analysis is static posture adopted during work, highlighted in 87.5% of reviews and 84% of original articles. With regard to preventive measures, 75% of the reviews highlighted the importance of stretching after each working session and at the end of the working day, while 61.5% of the original articles emphasized the use of modern and ergonomic instruments. Discussion This review showed that static postures are strongly responsible in the etiology of musculoskeletal disorders. The awkward postures more frequently identified among dental professionals are: extreme forward-head and neck flexion; trunk inclination and rotation towards one side; lifting one or both shoulders; increased curvature of the thoracic vertebral column; incorrect positioning of the lower limbs with thigh-leg angle of less than 90°. It is really important to use of a modern workstation with appropriate ergonomic supports. Among the preventive ergonomic measures, literature has widely recognized the role of physical activity and of a neutral and balanced posture. The present review has some limits: a large part of the selected studies did not have a high methodological quality score and an inadequate statistical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone De Sio
- U.R. Occupational Medicine, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Traversini
- Specialty School of Occupational Medicine - U.R. Occupational Medicine, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rinaldo
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Colasanti
- Specialty School of Occupational Medicine - U.R. Occupational Medicine, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Buomprisco
- Specialty School of Occupational Medicine - U.R. Occupational Medicine, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Perri
- Specialty School of Occupational Medicine - U.R. Occupational Medicine, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Mormone
- Specialty School of Occupational Medicine - U.R. Occupational Medicine, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Torre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Guerra
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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El-Helaly M, Balkhy HH, Vallenius L. Carpal tunnel syndrome among laboratory technicians in relation to personal and ergonomic factors at work. J Occup Health 2017; 59:513-520. [PMID: 28855446 PMCID: PMC5721273 DOI: 10.1539/joh.16-0279-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been reported in different occupations, including laboratory technicians, so this study was carried out to determine the prevalence and the associated personal and ergonomic factors for CTS among laboratory technicians. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 279 laboratory technicians at King Fahd Hospital, Saudi Arabia, who filled in a self-administered questionnaire, including questions regarding their demographic criteria, occupational history, job tasks, workplace tools, ergonomic factors at work, and symptoms suggestive of CTS. Physical examinations and electrodiagnostic studies were carried out for those who had symptoms suggestive of CTS to confirm the diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for both personal and physical factors in association with confirmed CTS among laboratory technicians. RESULTS The prevalence of CTS among the laboratory technicians was 9.7% (27/279). The following were the statistically significant risk factors for CTS among them: gender (all cases of CTS were female, P=0.00), arm/hand exertion (OR: 7.96; 95% CI: 1.84-34.33), pipetting (OR: 7.27; 95% CI: 3.15-16.78), repetitive tasks (OR: 4.60; 95% CI: 1.39-15.70), using unadjustable chairs or desks (OR: 3.35; 95% CI: 1.23-9.15), and working with a biosafety cabinet (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.11-5.59). CTS cases had significant longer work duration (17.9 ± 5.6 years) than CTS non-case (11.5 ± 7.4 yeas) with low OR (1.108). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates some personal and ergonomic factors associated with CTS among the laboratory technicians, including female gender, arm/hand exertion, pipetting, repetitive tasks, working with a biosafety cabinet, and an unadjusted workstation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Helaly
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City.,Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University
| | - Hanan H Balkhy
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City
| | - Laura Vallenius
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City
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