Introduction and objective: This study aimed to determine the environmental conditions for the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in a non-industrial area, and patient-reported outcomes after surgical release.
Material and methods: This observational study utilized convenience sampling to screen 100 consecutive patients for carpal tunnel syndrome at the Orthopedic Clinic, using two questionnaires. Data were collected from the Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the PROMIS® (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) Upper Extremity and PROMIS® SF 3a questionnaire (Pain Intensity). The relationship of various repetitive musculoskeletal disorders to CTS was validated by questionnaire scores, PROMIS® T-score, and correlation coefficients.
Results: Finally, CTS was confirmed by electromyography in 69 patients (55 females and 14 males; average age: 47.5 years). Aging significantly influenced the occurrence of symptoms associated with pain (neck, thoracic, lower back, shoulder, and CTS (p<0.001)). Those employed for longer more frequently declared performing exercises to prevent overload pain (p<0.001). DASH results significantly correlated with the PROMIS Upper Extremity score (r = -0.64; p<0.05).
Conclusions: Geographical and environmental conditions indicate that even though working with a computer is described as an essential risk factor for CTS, the study group showed a predominance of elements that were unrelated to working at a computer. CTS also occurred among people working physically, and even among unemployed individuals. The existence of a statistically significant, strong, negative correlation (r=-0.64; p < 0.05) between the results obtained in the questionnaires DASH and PROMIS Upper Extremity has been demonstrated.
Keywords: Patient-reported outcomes; carpal tunnel syndrome; computers; musculoskeletal pain; non-industrial area; occupational disease.