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Occupational carpal tunnel syndrome in Washington State, 1984-1988
G M Franklin1, J Haug, N Heyer
1Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
American Journal of Public Health
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (OCTS) is distinct from non-occupational cases, with higher incidence in younger females and specific industries like food processing. Workers' compensation data effectively identified high-risk occupations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Background:
- Limited population-based studies exist for occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (OCTS) with strict case definitions.
- Existing research often focuses on specific industries or relies on self-reported symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a population-based incidence study of OCTS.
- To identify high-risk industries and demographic factors associated with OCTS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Washington State Workers' Compensation database for a population-based incidence study.
- Identified incident OCTS claims using ICD codes 354.0 and 354.1 for physician-reported diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Identified 7,926 incident OCTS claims between 1984-1988, with an industry-wide incidence rate of 1.74 claims/1,000 FTEs.
- Observed demographic differences: mean age 37.4 years and a female/male ratio of 1.2:1, contrasting with non-occupational CTS.
- Found a significant increase in the female-specific OCTS incidence rate over the study period and identified high rates in food processing, carpentry, egg production, wood products, and logging.
Conclusions:
- Demographic and industry-specific findings suggest OCTS is distinct from non-occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
- Workplace exposures are likely contributors to OCTS.
- Workers' compensation data is a valuable resource for identifying industries with high OCTS risk.