title: Nonsurgically treated carpal tunnel syndrome in the manual worker.
abstract: This study evaluates the course of carpal tunnel syndrome in a group of manual laborers who declined surgery for personal or social reasons. Thirty-five patients and 67 extremities with carpal tunnel syndrome were evaluated in a group of manual laborers. The carpal tunnel syndrome was classified as mild, moderate, or severe on the basis of initial evaluation data. Sensory batteries, motor and sensory conduction velocities, and electrical studies were performed on a scheduled basis. Follow-up ranged between 14 and 58 months, with an average of 34.3 months. Three patients became worse and one improved during the study period. All others remained unchanged. Six patients returned to work, but only three returned to their original jobs. Although carpal tunnel syndrome does not appear to be a progressive condition once the triggering cause is removed, nonsurgical treatment does not seem to be the treatment of choice for patients who must continue in a manual labor position.
authors.affiliation: Hand and Microsurgery Center of El Paso, Texas.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Monsivais
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bucher
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Monsivais
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D009790:Occupations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016312:Treatment Refusal