Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome in Washington State workers' compensation: temporal trends, clinical practices,
William E Daniell1, Deborah Fulton-Kehoe, Lisa A Chiou
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. bdaniell@u.washington.edu
Background:
Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a leading cause of disability. There is a need for information about temporal trends, clinical practices, and treatment outcomes.
Methods:
A population based, retrospective cohort study of Washington State workers' compensation claims for CTS was initiated focusing on claims filed during 1990-1994, followed through 2000 (n = 16,710).
Results:
Half of the claims were filed for conditions other than CTS, but were eventually identified to be or include CTS. The first CTS diagnosis occurred more than 3 months after claim filing in 20% of claims. The longer that the CTS diagnosis occurred after claim filing, the more likely that CTS was accompanied by other problems, and disability tended to be longer.
Conclusions:
Making an accurate diagnosis of CTS and initiating appropriate actions earlier than might otherwise occur could reduce the disability and costs in a large fraction of claims that are ultimately determined to involve CTS.
