[Development of carpal tunnel syndrome after being certified and an occupational disease]

The authors present the results of the study carried out in South Moravia, Czech Republic, in a group of 140 patients (76 women and 64 men) with occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The time-lag between the occupational disease certification and the investigation ranged from 2 to 14 years. The mean age of persons at the diagnosis was 44.5 +/- 7.4. years, and the duration of hazardous occupational exposure was 19.8 +/- 9.8 years. Repetitive and excessive strain of upper extremities was observed in 59% of patients and locally transmitted vibrations to the hands or vibration combined with repetitive and excessive strain of upper extremities in 41% of patients. Following the CTS certification as an occupational diseases, 98% of patients were removed from exposure to etiologic factors. During a follow-up examination, 19% of patients evaluated their health condition as better or recovered, deterioration was reported by 28%, and unchanged condition by 63% of subjects. Surgery was performed on 61% of patients. The comparison of the examination outcome at CTS certification as an occupational disease with the follow-up examination indicated significant improvement of distal motor latency, but the complete recovery of the median nerve conduction was found only in 13% of patients.