Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome and cumulative trauma disorder: effect of carpal tunnel decompression excercises: an Oklahoma experience.

An Oklahoma meat packing company with 286 production workers experienced a high incidence of cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), specifically carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The company learned about the Carpal Tunnel Decompression Exercises (exercise program) through the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons' official web page. The Orthopaedic & Reconstructive Center assisted the company with implementation of the exercise program. The company reported their one-year follow up findings to the Governor's Council on Safety Policy (State of Oklahoma). The exercise program was the only ergonomic change the company implemented that year. The company's workers' compensation loss ratio improved from 13.89% to 11.61%. The company reported a net financial gain after comparing injury reduction versus work time lost to exercise. The incidence of Cumulative Trauma Disorder, excluding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, was reduced 37% and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was reduced 45.4%. The results of the exercise program were significant enough that the company made the exercise program permanent.