title: [Etiological factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome in people who work with computers].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequent mononeuropathy of upper extremities. From the early 1990's it has been suggested that intensive work with computers can result in CTS development, however, this relationship has not as yet been proved. The aim of the study was to evaluate occupational and non-occupational risk factors for developing CTS in the population of computer-users.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group comprised 60 patients (58 women and 2 men; mean age: 53.8 +/- 6.35 years) working with computers and suspected of occupational CTS. A survey as well as both median and ulnar nerve conduction examination (NCS) were performed in all the subjects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients worked with use of computer for 6.43 +/- 1.71 h per day. The mean latency between the beginning of employment and the occurrence of first CTS symptoms was 12.09 +/- 5.94 years. All patients met the clinical and electrophysiological diagnostic criteria of CTS. In the majority of patients etiological factors for developing CTS were non-occupational: obesity, hypothyroidism, oophorectomy, past hysterectomy, hormonal replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, recent menopause, diabetes, tendovaginitis. In 7 computer-users etiological factors were not identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of our study show that CTS is usually generated by different causes not related with using computers at work.
authors: Klinika Chorób Zawodowych i Toksykologii, Przychodnia Chorób Zawodowych, Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera, Łódź, Poland. mlewanska@interia.pl
authors: Magdalena
authors: M
authors: Lewańska
authors: Ewa
authors: E
authors: Wagrowska-Koski
authors: Jolanta
authors: J
authors: Walusiak-Skorupa
mesh_terms: D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D003201:Computers; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000293:injuries*