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Carpal tunnel syndrome among apprentice construction workers.

John C Rosecrance1, Thomas M Cook, Dan C Anton

  • 1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-5000, USA. john-rosecrance@uiowa.edu

American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|July 19, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects 8.2% of apprentice construction workers, with few seeking medical care. Early intervention and prevention strategies are crucial for this costly occupational disorder.

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Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a significant occupational musculoskeletal disorder causing lost work time and high costs.
  • Construction workers are at risk for CTS due to job demands.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among apprentice construction workers.
  • To identify risk factors associated with CTS in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 1,142 construction apprentices from four trades.
  • Utilized self-administered questionnaires and electrophysiologic studies to diagnose CTS.
  • Applied a surveillance case definition based on symptoms and median mononeuropathy.

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Main Results:

  • The prevalence of CTS among apprentices was 8.2%, with sheet metal workers showing the highest rate (9.2%).
  • Heavy equipment mechanics in operating engineers had a significantly higher prevalence of CTS (OR = 6.9).
  • Factors associated with prevalent CTS included higher body mass index, older age, and working overhead.

Conclusions:

  • Many construction apprentices develop CTS before or during their training.
  • A low percentage of affected apprentices seek medical attention for CTS symptoms.
  • There is a public health imperative to implement CTS prevention strategies in the construction industry.