Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and carpal tunnel syndrome among dental hygienists.
BACKGROUND
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and other work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common problems in general industry as well as dental hygiene. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of CTS and other MSDs among dental hygienists. No previous studies involving dental hygienists have combined nerve conduction studies (NCS) and symptoms in their CTS case definitions.


METHODS
Dental hygienists (N = 95) completed a symptom and job factors survey, hand symptom diagram, and underwent NCS across the wrist.


RESULTS
At least one MSD was reported by 93%. Prevalence of CTS was 8.4% utilizing a case definition of symptoms and NCS, but 42% if defined by symptoms alone. Age, BMI, and the number of patients treated per day were significant factors associated with CTS.


CONCLUSIONS
Dental hygienists are exposed to occupational factors that increase the risk of CTS. A case definition that does not include NCS overestimates CTS prevalence.
Anton
Dan
D
Biomechanics and Ergonomics Facility, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa 52242, USA. dan-anton@uiowa.edu
Rosecrance
John
J
Merlino
Linda
L
Cook
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016272:Occupational Health; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011336:Probability; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires