title: Carpal tunnel syndrome: effect on Army dental personnel.
abstract: The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) to determine the prevalence of hand problems, in particular carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), among Army dental personnel; and (2) to identify dental professionals at risk. A 12-page survey was mailed to all U.S. Army military and civilian dental personnel. Of the 6,320 surveys mailed, 80.9% were returned completed. An analysis was performed identifying the prevalence of hand problems and CTS and noting differences between civilian and military dental personnel. Of the 5,115 surveys analyzed, 44.8% indicated hand problems and 25.4% were determined to indicate a high probability of CTS. Of the 18 dental job specialties, dental therapy assistants and dental hygienists had the highest prevalence of CTS, 73% and 57%, respectively. Army dental personnel are at greater risk of developing CTS than the general public, especially civilian dental personnel, who were female, older, and employed longer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Dentistry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH 44106-4905, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lalumandier
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: McPhee
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Riddle
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Shulman
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Daigle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008885:Military Dentistry; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D009790:Occupations; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D000078329:Workforce