BACKGROUND: The long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) including symptoms, functional status, work disability, and economic impact are unknown. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 234 active construction workers with medical claims for CTS and 249 workers without CTS claims; non-cases were matched on age, trade, and insurance eligibility. We conducted telephone interviews with cases and non-cases and collected administrative data on work hours. RESULTS: Compared to non-cases, CTS cases were more likely to report recurrent hand symptoms, decreased work productivity/quality, decreased performance of physical work demands, and greater functional limitations. Surgical cases showed larger improvements on multiple outcomes than non-surgical cases. Minimal differences in paid work hours were seen between cases and non-cases in the years preceding and following CTS claims. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent symptoms and functional impairments were present several years after CTS diagnosis. Long-term functional limitations shown by this and other studies indicate the need for improved prevention and treatment.
BACKGROUND: The long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) including symptoms, functional status, work disability, and economic impact are unknown. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 234 active construction workers with medical claims for CTS and 249 workers without CTS claims; non-cases were matched on age, trade, and insurance eligibility. We conducted telephone interviews with cases and non-cases and collected administrative data on work hours. RESULTS: Compared to non-cases, CTS cases were more likely to report recurrent hand symptoms, decreased work productivity/quality, decreased performance of physical work demands, and greater functional limitations. Surgical cases showed larger improvements on multiple outcomes than non-surgical cases. Minimal differences in paid work hours were seen between cases and non-cases in the years preceding and following CTS claims. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent symptoms and functional impairments were present several years after CTS diagnosis. Long-term functional limitations shown by this and other studies indicate the need for improved prevention and treatment.
Authors: Hester J Lipscomb; Ashley L Schoenfisch; Wilfrid Cameron; Kristen L Kucera; Darrin Adams; Barbara A Silverstein Journal: Am J Ind Med Date: 2015-05-04 Impact factor: 2.214
Authors: Michael Warren Keith; Victoria Masear; Peter C Amadio; Michael Andary; Richard W Barth; Brent Graham; Kevin Chung; Kent Maupin; William C Watters; Robert H Haralson; Charles M Turkelson; Janet L Wies; Richard McGowan Journal: J Am Acad Orthop Surg Date: 2009-06 Impact factor: 3.020
Authors: Ann Marie Dale; Daniel Ryan; Laura Welch; Margaret A Olsen; Bryan Buchholz; Bradley Evanoff Journal: Occup Environ Med Date: 2014-09-15 Impact factor: 4.402
Authors: Benjamin C Amick; Rochelle V Habeck; Janet Ossmann; Anne H Fossel; Robert Keller; Jeffrey N Katz Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2004-05 Impact factor: 2.162