Carpal Tunnel Syndrome As an Occupational Disease

I was talking with India today. There was a mention about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as an occupational disease. I still can't figure out why the testing hasn't been taken to the very heart of the problem. Big manufacturing units and office complexes could have a Mediracer field team visiting them. This would even be a functional business model for private service providers. We need to work more on this subject.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome As an Occupational Disease: "Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most well known nerve entrapment syndrome. Involving the median nerve, it is often described as an occupational disease and claimed as a basis for worker's compensation. To provide a perspective helpful in understanding the issues central to occupational CTS, this review will focus on the history of and aspects of epidemiologic research relating to occupational CTS. Armed with such knowledge, physicians will be better prepared to establish guidelines useful in determining whether CTS is directly and solely attributable to a patient's occupation."

Below is additional information from a web page relating to conditions in USA.

Methods: The English medical literature was reviewed on the relationship between CTS and occupational ergonomic risk factors. Recent legislative initiatives are discussed. Guidelines of diagnosing and managing occupational CTS are outlined.

Helge: Mediracer provides a reliable diagnostic method that features mobility and telemedical options. Screening and testing could be made at a big manufacturing unit for maximal flexibility and speed.

Results: Many studies are divided regarding whether CTS is associated with highly repetitive/forceful/vibration work. However, a subset of patients presenting with symptoms related to CTS probably has occupational CTS. These patients can be objectively diagnosed and successfully treated and are able to return to work.

Helge: This subset of patients could be screened and tested at an early stage.

Conclusions: By being armed with knowledge regarding the background of CTS and by following simple diagnosis and treatment guidelines, the family practitioner should be able to manage many patients presenting with work-related CTS.

Helge: Field tests and CTS-diagnosis could even be made by an occupational health nurse trained in the use of Mediracer. Read also about Santa Clara.