Social and economic costs of carpal tunnel surgery.

In conclusion, we estimate the incidence of carpal tunnel surgery to be between 400,000 and 500,000 cases annually in the United States, with economic costs in excess of $2 billion per year. The costs incurred in workers' compensation cases are almost three times those of other workers and five times those of nonworkers. Despite an increase in medial costs for endoscopic carpal tunnel release, the procedure has a potential to decrease overall costs by lowering productivity and wage reimbursement losses. With better surveillance and data collection systems, workers at risk can be identified and the incidence of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome reduced through appropriate worksite intervention.