[Development of carpal tunnel syndrome after being certified and an occupational disease].
The authors present the results of the study carried out in South Moravia, Czech Republic, in a group of 140 patients (76 women and 64 men) with occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The time-lag between the occupational disease certification and the investigation ranged from 2 to 14 years. The mean age of persons at the diagnosis was 44.5 +/- 7.4. years, and the duration of hazardous occupational exposure was 19.8 +/- 9.8 years. Repetitive and excessive strain of upper extremities was observed in 59% of patients and locally transmitted vibrations to the hands or vibration combined with repetitive and excessive strain of upper extremities in 41% of patients. Following the CTS certification as an occupational diseases, 98% of patients were removed from exposure to etiologic factors. During a follow-up examination, 19% of patients evaluated their health condition as better or recovered, deterioration was reported by 28%, and unchanged condition by 63% of subjects. Surgery was performed on 61% of patients. The comparison of the examination outcome at CTS certification as an occupational disease with the follow-up examination indicated significant improvement of distal motor latency, but the complete recovery of the median nerve conduction was found only in 13% of patients.
Klinika Pracovního Lékarství, Fakultní Nemocnice u sv. Anny a Lékarská Fakulta, Masarykovy Univerzity w Brnie, Republika Czeska. petr.brhel@fnusa.cz
Petr
P
Brhel
Jaroslav
J
Dufek
Alena
A
Ríhová
Marie
M
Bartnická
D000328:Adult; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018153:Czech Republic / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*