Examining the association between musculoskeletal injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome in manual laborers.

INTRODUCTION

The association between musculoskeletal injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has not been investigated in a large, population-based study.

METHODS

Latino manual laborers were recruited as part of a study of work-related health conditions. Each had a clinical examination, completed a hand diagram, and had nerve conduction studies.

RESULTS

A total of 512 individuals completed all testing. An association was found between rotator cuff syndrome and CTS, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.25 (P = 0.01) for the right arm, 2.08 (P = 0.03) for the left arm, and 1.84 (P = 0.03) for all individuals. Associations between epicondylitis and CTS did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with rotator cuff syndrome have a higher prevalence of CTS. Further investigations will be needed to examine for causation and to determine if 1 condition typically occurs first and leads to the other. Muscle Nerve 54: 31-35, 2016.