[Occupational risk factors for radial tunnel syndrome in factory workers].
METHODS
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the professional and extraprofessional risk factors for radial tunnel syndrome (RTS) in employees of three large companies.


METHODS
Twenty-one cases of RTS were compared to 21 controls, matched for age, sex, and activity. In nine cases, RTS was associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The analysis considered medical history, extraprofessional activity, and the ergonomic and organisational aspects of work.


RESULTS
The study demonstrated three risk factors of RTS related to work conditions. The regular use of a force of at least 1 kg (OR = 9.1 (1.4-56.9)) more than 10 times per hour is the main biomechanical risk factor. Static work (OR = 5.9 (1.2-29.9)) as well as work with the elbow constantly extended 0 degree to 45 degrees, is strongly associated with an increased risk of RTS (OR = 4.9 (1.0-25.0)). Complete extension of the elbow associated with pronation and supination of the forearm may cause trauma to the radial nerve in the radial tunnel. On the other hand, we found no personal factors and no extraprofessional activities which were associated with an increased risk of RTS.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that motions of the forearm requiring intense effort and performed with the elbow in extension and the forearm in pronation and supination increase the risk of RTS.
Roquelaure
Y
Y
Centre de consultation de pathologie professionnelle, centre hospitalier universitaire, 49033 Angers, France. yvroquelaure@chu-angers.fr
Raimbeau
G
G
Saint-Cast
Y
Y
Martin
Y H
YH
Pelier-Cady
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D016272:Occupational Health; D009790:Occupations; D011187:Posture; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000293:injuries*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013577:Syndrome