Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in workers from a fishnet factory in Thailand.
We determined the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) at a fishnet factory in order to discern the possible associated risk factors at this type of workplace. The 662 workers were interviewed then physically examined. The prevalence of CTS was 14.5%, which is significantly higher than in the general population. Workers directly involved in the production of fishnets had a significantly higher risk of CTS than the factory's office workers or housemaids (odds ratio = 1.84; range, 1.03-3.29; 95% CI, p = 0.049). There was no association between the length of employment in the factory with CTS (odds ratio = 1.13; range, 0.77-1.66; 95% CI, p = 0.591). Our results confirm that factory jobs with repetitive hyperflexing and twisting of the wrists are at risk of CTS.
Jianmongkol
Surut
S
Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Khonkaen University, Khonkaen 40002, Thailand. surut@kku.ac.th
Kosuwon
Weerachai
W
Thumroj
Ekamol
E
Sumanont
Sermsak
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology