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Med. Pr. 2002;53(5)

Occupational and non-occupational problems of carpal tunnel syndrome

Zawodowe i pozazawodowe aspekty zespołu kanału nadgarstka

Ewa Lewczuk, Anna Affelska-Jercha

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the pressure of the medianus nerve in the carpal canal. This syndrome is characterized by the following symptoms: numbness of the thumb and fingers, hand pain, particularly at night, and handicap of the hand efficiency.
The examination of the perception, provocation tests, electromyography, carpal radiography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are very helpful in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Pathological changes in flexorśs theca are the most frequent causes of the syndrome. It may also occur in patients with lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, endocrinopathy, rheumatic diseases and during pregnancy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common occupational neuropathy. It is associated with the recurrence of carpal movements and observed in seamstress, butchers, persons testing bar codes in supermarkets and meat packers.

Key words

occupational risk, carpal tunnel