The frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users at a medical facility.

A survey was done of employees who were identified as frequent computer users. Although 29.6% of the employees reported hand paresthesias, only 27 employees (10.5%) met clinical criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome, and in 9 (3.5%) the syndrome was confirmed by nerve conduction studies. Affected and unaffected employees had similar occupations, years using a computer, and time using the computer during the day. The frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users is similar to that in the general population.