[Prevalence for clinically proved carpal tunnel syndrome is 4 percent].

This article summarizes the results of a large-scale population-based study conducted to determine the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in the Swedish general population. The study utilized a health questionnaires as well as clinical and electrophysiological examinations. Population prevalence rates of carpal tunnel syndrome, based on clinical diagnosis and electrophysiological criteria, were calculated. Obesity and specific work-related hand activities were shown to be risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.