title: Carpal tunnel syndrome in spine surgeons: a pilot study.
abstract: The goal of this project was to determine risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in spine surgeons. Members of the North American Spine Society participated in a questionnaire survey in the Spring of 2004. There were 107 reported cases of CTS. The authors observed a linear dose response (p < .01) between hours of work and CTS. Predictors were obesity (body mass index > or = 30; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-3.76) and practicing surgery for > 5 years (adjusted OR = 4.24, 95% CI = 1.54-11.69). The authors identified the use of the Kerrison rongeur (a bone-removal tool) as the greatest ergonomic risk for the surgeons (adjusted OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.54-4.81), and 37% of them reported that CTS interferes with their work. Ergonomic interventions for CTS should be evaluated in the operating room.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Forst
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shapiro
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009985:Orthopedics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013131:Spine; D013997:Time Factors