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[Carpal tunnel syndrome in primary care. Impact of workplace risks]
J F Menárguez Puche1, C Luna Rodríguez, P A Alcántara Muñoz
1Unidad Docente de MFyC de Murcia, Centro de Salud Antonio García, Molina de Segura.
Objective:
To describe a series of cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosed at our health centre, with an analysis of the influence of work activity.
Design:
A retrospective and descriptive study of a series of cases.
Setting:
Patients on two medical lists who sought health care.
Participants:
27 people diagnosed as having CTS.
Measurements And Main Results:
We selected all the cases of CTS diagnosed according to the NIOSH criteria. We analysed symptoms, signs, additional tests and work risks. 24 out of the 27 cases were women. 100% had suggestive symptoms and 48.15% were affected bilaterally. The Tinell sign was positive in 5 cases, the Phalen in 7 and both in 11. 17.4% tested normal. We could see a diagnostic EMG in 19 cases. 59.2% were aged between 40 and 60. In all the cases we detected workplace risk factors: 18.5% housewives, 14.8% working in canning factories and dressmaking, 11.1% working in canning factories and dressmaking and shops/bars, 7.4% were cleaners, canning and fur operatives and mechanics. 3.7% worked at sewing shoes and in agriculture. As an accompanying pathology we detected 14.8% with obesity, 7.4% tenosynovitis and wrist fractures. For 3.7% CTS was a side-effect of diabetes, cervical arthrosis, ACV and dermatomyositis. 55.5% had non associated pathology.
Conclusions:
1) The population of Molina de Segura can be considered at high risk of developing CTS. 2) In our environment women seek care for CTS much more often. 3) Most of our patients develop the condition in the workplace.