title: Carpal tunnel syndrome and work.
abstract: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome, and it frequently presents in working-aged adults. Its mild form causes 'nuisance' symptoms including dysaesthesia and nocturnal waking. At its most severe, CTS can significantly impair motor function and weaken pinch grip. This review discusses the anatomy of the carpal tunnel and the clinical presentation of the syndrome as well as the classification and diagnosis of the condition. CTS has a profile of well-established risk factors including individual factors and predisposing co-morbidities, which are briefly discussed. There is a growing body of evidence for an association between CTS and various occupational factors, which is also explored. Management of CTS, conservative and surgical, is described. Finally, the issue of safe return to work post carpal tunnel release surgery and the lack of evidence-based guidelines are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; Hand Therapy, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, UK.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Newington
authors.affiliation: Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
authors.forename: E Clare
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK. Electronic address: kwb@mrc.soton.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Walker-Bone
mesh_terms: D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation
keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Occupation; Repetition; Return to work; Vibration