Medical surveillance for carpal tunnel syndrome in workers.
Carpal canal size was examined as a risk factor associated with carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace. Seven of 14 electricians had symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. When cross-sectional areas were measured by computed tomography (CT), affected workers had a cross-sectional area of 1.75 +/- 0.21 cm2; control values were 2.53 +/- 0.15 cm2 (p less than 0.05). Subjects with a subclinical syndrome had an area of 1.83 +/- 0.22 cm2, which was similar to the group with symptoms. Wrist circumference was not a predictor of the smallest carpal canal area. Unusual bony and soft tissue structures within the carpal canal were easily identified with CT.
Bleecker
M L
ML
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Francis Scott Key Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21224.
D000328:Adult; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed