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Carpal tunnel syndrome among apprentice construction workers.
Am J Ind Med. 2002 Aug; 42(2):107-16.AJ

Abstract

BACKGROUND

In terms of lost-work time and restricted workdays, surgery, and rehabilitation, one of the most costly occupational musculoskeletal disorders is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of CTS among apprentice construction workers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included apprentices from four construction trades. Apprentices completed a self-administered questionnaire and received electrophysiologic studies assessing median nerve function across the carpal tunnel. A surveillance case definition for CTS was based on characteristic hand symptoms and the presence of median mononeuropathy across the carpal tunnel.

RESULTS

Of the 1,325 eligible apprentices, 1,142 (86.2%) participated in the study. The prevalence of CTS among apprentices was 8.2%; sheet metal workers had the highest rate (9.2%). In operating engineers, the prevalence of CTS was significantly higher (OR = 6.9; 95% CI = 2.6-18.2) among the heavy equipment mechanics than the drivers of those vehicles. Body mass index, age, and self-reports of working overhead were associated with prevalent CTS. Less than 15% of the apprentices with CTS sought medical attention for their disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Many construction workers begin developing CTS before or during their apprenticeship. Few apprentices seek medical attention for hand symptoms characteristic of CTS. The results of this study indicate a public health need for the implementation of prevention strategies for CTS in the construction industry.

Authors+Show Affiliations

Rosecrance JC
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-5000, USA. john-rosecrance@uiowa.edu
Cook TM
No affiliation info available
Anton DC
No affiliation info available
Merlino LA
No affiliation info available

MeSH

AdultCarpal Tunnel SyndromeCross-Sectional StudiesFacility Design and ConstructionFemaleHealth Services Needs and DemandHumansMaleOccupational DiseasesPrevalencePublic HealthSurveys and Questionnaires

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Language

eng

PubMed ID

12125086

Citation

Rosecrance, John C., et al. "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Apprentice Construction Workers." American Journal of Industrial Medicine, vol. 42, no. 2, 2002, pp. 107-16.
Rosecrance JC, Cook TM, Anton DC, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome among apprentice construction workers. Am J Ind Med. 2002;42(2):107-16.
Rosecrance, J. C., Cook, T. M., Anton, D. C., & Merlino, L. A. (2002). Carpal tunnel syndrome among apprentice construction workers. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 42(2), 107-16.
Rosecrance JC, et al. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Apprentice Construction Workers. Am J Ind Med. 2002;42(2):107-16. PubMed PMID: 12125086.
* Article titles in AMA citation format should be in sentence-case
TY - JOUR T1 - Carpal tunnel syndrome among apprentice construction workers. AU - Rosecrance,John C, AU - Cook,Thomas M, AU - Anton,Dan C, AU - Merlino,Linda A, PY - 2002/7/19/pubmed PY - 2002/10/31/medline PY - 2002/7/19/entrez SP - 107 EP - 16 JF - American journal of industrial medicine JO - Am J Ind Med VL - 42 IS - 2 N2 - BACKGROUND: In terms of lost-work time and restricted workdays, surgery, and rehabilitation, one of the most costly occupational musculoskeletal disorders is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of CTS among apprentice construction workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included apprentices from four construction trades. Apprentices completed a self-administered questionnaire and received electrophysiologic studies assessing median nerve function across the carpal tunnel. A surveillance case definition for CTS was based on characteristic hand symptoms and the presence of median mononeuropathy across the carpal tunnel. RESULTS: Of the 1,325 eligible apprentices, 1,142 (86.2%) participated in the study. The prevalence of CTS among apprentices was 8.2%; sheet metal workers had the highest rate (9.2%). In operating engineers, the prevalence of CTS was significantly higher (OR = 6.9; 95% CI = 2.6-18.2) among the heavy equipment mechanics than the drivers of those vehicles. Body mass index, age, and self-reports of working overhead were associated with prevalent CTS. Less than 15% of the apprentices with CTS sought medical attention for their disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Many construction workers begin developing CTS before or during their apprenticeship. Few apprentices seek medical attention for hand symptoms characteristic of CTS. The results of this study indicate a public health need for the implementation of prevention strategies for CTS in the construction industry. SN - 0271-3586 UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/12125086/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome_among_apprentice_construction_workers_ DB - PRIME DP - Unbound Medicine ER -