title: Long-term symptomatic, functional, and work outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome among construction workers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) including symptoms, functional status, work disability, and economic impact are unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective study of 234 active construction workers with medical claims for CTS and 249 workers without CTS claims; non-cases were matched on age, trade, and insurance eligibility. We conducted telephone interviews with cases and non-cases and collected administrative data on work hours.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to non-cases, CTS cases were more likely to report recurrent hand symptoms, decreased work productivity/quality, decreased performance of physical work demands, and greater functional limitations. Surgical cases showed larger improvements on multiple outcomes than non-surgical cases. Minimal differences in paid work hours were seen between cases and non-cases in the years preceding and following CTS claims.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Persistent symptoms and functional impairments were present several years after CTS diagnosis. Long-term functional limitations shown by this and other studies indicate the need for improved prevention and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Bradley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Evanoff
authors.affiliation: Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Bethany T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.affiliation: Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Jaime R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Strickland
authors.affiliation: Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Skye
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buckner-Petty
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Alfred
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Franzblau
authors.affiliation: Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Ann Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Dale
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D060389:Construction Industry; D004526:Efficiency; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D063189:Symptom Assessment; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: administrative data; disability; economic impact; impairment; musculoskeletal disorders