[Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in workers executing complex tasks with the upper extremities]

Med Lav. 2000 Jan-Feb;91(1):24-31.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

In 50 female workers of a manufacturing plant employed on the assembly line of metal and plastic products with cloth covering, we found a high prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (16 cases, 32%, 5 of whom had already undergone surgical treatment). The subjects with positive diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome also had a longer occupational exposure to repetitive movements, compared to the other subjects. Among the subjects with this disorder, the length of exposure was also significantly associated with the reported symptoms and the extension threshold measured on the 2nd finger of the dominant hand. Ergonomic assessment of the assembly lines revealed high-frequency repetitive movements and application of force, with insufficient rest intervals.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Prevalence
  • Task Performance and Analysis*