Surveillance of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome in Massachusetts, 1992-1997: a report from the Massachusetts Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR).

BACKGROUND: This surveillance study was undertaken to target efforts to prevent work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (WR-CTS) and to assess physician case-reports as a source of surveillance data.

METHODS: Physician case-reports and workers' compensation disability claims were used to document patterns of WR-CTS in Massachusetts from March 1992 to June 1997 by age, gender, industry, occupation, and calendar year. Characteristics of cases identified through the two data sources were compared.

RESULTS: 4,836 cases of WR-CTS were ascertained; 6% were identified by both data sources. Whereas the two sets of cases were similar with respect to age and occupation categories, physician-reported cases were more likely male and employed in manufacturing. The number of compensation claims filed by women declined over time, and a substantial number of cases under age 25 years were identified. Manufacturing workers had the highest rates; the highest numbers of cases were employed in hospitals, grocery stores, and the insurance industry. Several technical/administrative support occupations likely to use video display terminals had both high rates and frequencies.

CONCLUSION: WR-CTS is a significant public health problem. Physician reports are useful in understanding problem magnitude and targeting specific establishments for intervention but are currently of limited use in targeting specific industries and occupations.