Is carpal tunnel syndrome related to computer exposure at work? A review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
A meta-analysis on epidemiological studies was undertaken to assess association between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and computer work.


METHODS
Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Base de Donnees de Sante Publique) were searched with cross-references from published reviews. We included recent studies, original epidemiological studies for which the association was assessed with blind reviewing with control group. Relevant associations were extracted, and a metarisk was calculated using the generic variance approach (meta-odds ratio [meta-OR]).


RESULTS
Six studies met the criteria for inclusion. Results are contradictory because of heterogeneous work exposure. The meta-OR for computer use was 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 3.55). The meta-OR for keyboarding was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.62 to 1.98) and for mouse 1.94 (95% CI, 0.90 to 4.21).


CONCLUSIONS
It was not possible to show an association between computer use and CTS, although some particular work circumstances may be associated with CTS.
From the Inserm (Ms Mediouni and Dr Descatha), Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, "Population-Based Epidemiological Cohorts" Research Platform, Villejuif, France; Université Versailles St-Quentin (Ms Mediouni and Dr Descatha), Versailles, France; AP-HP (Ms Mediouni, Ms de Roquemaurel, Ms Garrabe, and Dr Descatha), Occupational Health Unit/EMS (Samu92), University Hospital of West Suburb of Paris, Garches, France; Plastic and Hand Department (Ms Dumontier), Nice University, Hôpital St Roch, Nice, France; Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (Mr Becour), Hôtel-Dieu University Hospital, Forensic Unit, Paris, France; and LUNAM Université (Mr Roquelaure), Université d'Angers, Laboratoire d'ergonomie et d'épidémiologie en santé au travail, Angers, France.
Zakia
Z
Mediouni
Alexis
A
de Roquemaurel
Christian
C
Dumontier
Bertrand
B
Becour
Hélène
H
Garrabe
Yves
Y
Roquelaure
Alexis
A
Descatha
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D003201:Computers; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors