Upper extremity mononeuropathy among engineers.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of mononeuropathy at the wrist among engineers who use computers and to identify associated risk factors.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study of 202 engineers using questionnaires and electrophysiological nerve testing. The definition for median or ulnar mononeuropathy required the combination of distal upper extremity discomfort and abnormal distal motor latency.


RESULTS
The prevalence of neuropathy at the wrist among engineers was 10.3% (right median), 3.4% (left median), 1.8% (right ulnar), and 2.9% (left ulnar). Logistic regression analysis identified three variables with positive associations (body mass index, hours of computer use, and antihypertensive medication) and three variables with negative associations (typing speed, driving hours, total break time).


CONCLUSIONS
Mononeuropathies at the wrist occur among computer-using engineers and are related to a number of factors, including hours of computer use.
Conlon
Craig F
CF
School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California 94804, USA.
Rempel
David M
DM
D000328:Adult; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004738:Engineering; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020422:Mononeuropathies / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D034941:Upper Extremity; D014953:Wrist / Q000473:pathology*