STUDY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MANUAL WORK WITH CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Mais Saleem Alarnous* and Shahad Haitham Alkhatib

ABSTRACT

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb, with a significant impact on hand function. Describing the characteristics of affected patients contributes to a better understanding of risk factors and helps guide early intervention and prevention strategies. Materials and Methods: A descriptive analytical study was conducted on 80 patients diagnosed with CTS at Damascus Hospital between 2022 and 2024. Data were collected from clinical records and analyzed using SPSS software. The study included demographic, clinical, and occupational variables, as well as nerve conduction study findings. Statistical significance was assessed to evaluate associations between occupation and symptoms, signs, and complications. Results: The 25–45-year age group was the most prevalent (75%), and females constituted the majority (62.5%). Smokers made up 30% of the sample, 40% were diabetic, and 30% of female patients were pregnant. The left hand was more frequently affected (60%). Housewives represented the largest occupational group (27.5%), followed by computer typists (21.3%). The most common symptoms were numbness (93.8%), tingling (85%), and pain (43.8%). Muscle weakness and atrophy were observed in 30% and 7.5% of patients, respectively. Phalen’s test was positive in 71.3% and Tinel’s sign in 62.5%. There was a significant association between occupation and several symptoms such as numbness (P = 0.024), pain (P = 0.036), and muscle weakness (P = 0.007), in addition to signs and complications, indicating a possible occupational influence on the syndrome’s progression. Conclusion: CTS is more prevalent among working-age females and is significantly associated with certain manual occupations. These findings highlight the importance of occupational education, early diagnosis, and both clinical and electrophysiological assessments to prevent complications.

Keywords: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Numbness, Manual Occupations.