i
Long term symptomatic, functional, and work outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome among construction workers
-
Feb 23 2016
-
-
Source: Am J Ind Med. 59(5):357-368.
[PDF-177.28 KB]
Details:
-
Alternative Title:Am J Ind Med
-
Personal Author:
-
Description:Background
The long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) including symptoms, functional status, work disability, and economic impact are unknown.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of 234 active construction workers with medical claims for CTS and 249 workers without CTS claims; non-cases were matched on age, trade, and insurance eligibility. We conducted telephone interviews with cases and non-cases and collected administrative data on work hours.
Results
Compared to non-cases, CTS cases were more likely to report recurrent hand symptoms, decreased work productivity/quality, decreased performance of physical work demands, and greater functional limitations. Surgical cases showed larger improvements on multiple outcomes than non-surgical cases. Minimal differences in paid work hours were seen between cases and non-cases in the years preceding and following CTS claims.
Conclusions
Persistent symptoms and functional impairments were present several years after CTS diagnosis. Long-term functional limitations shown by this and other studies indicate the need for improved prevention and treatment.
-
Subjects:
-
Source:
-
Pubmed ID:26909521
-
Pubmed Central ID:PMC5023011
-
Document Type:
-
Funding:
-
Collection(s):
-
Main Document Checksum:
-
Download URL:
-
File Type:
