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Review
. 2015 Jun;29(3):440-53.
doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2015.04.026. Epub 2015 May 27.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and work

Lisa Newington  1 , E Clare Harris  2 , Karen Walker-Bone  3
Affiliations
Review

Carpal tunnel syndrome and work

Lisa Newington et al. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015 Jun.

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.

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Occupation; Repetition; Return to work; Vibration.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Anatomical diagram of the carpal tunnel in transverse section
Figure 2
Figure 2
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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