Electrophysiological assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users

Abstract EN

Objective: To detect carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in Computer Users both by clinical assessment and nerve conduction studies (NCS) of the median nerve.

Also, to determine the contribution of weekly use of mouse devices and keyboards, work-related physical factors and onset of possible CTS. Methodology: The study was conducted on 100 computer users.

Standard electrophysiological study (SES) of median nerve was performed for all of them.

At six months of follow-up the main outcome of clinical interview and SES of median nerve and association between use of a mouse device and keyboard for 5 h/wk, 5-10 h/wk, 10-15 h/wk and more than 20 h/wk and risk of possible CTS. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between the distal latency and amplitude of the median and use of a mouse device for more than 20 h/wk.

Prevalence of tingling/ numbness in the distribution of median nerve was 6% and their prevalence at night was 2%.

Onset of new symptoms in the 6-month follow-up was 6%.

There was no statistically significant association with keyboard use for more than 20 h/wk and risk of possible CTS but.

Conclusions: There was an association between the use of a mouse device but not with the use of keyboard in computer users for more than 20 h/wk and risk of possible CTS.

SES of median nerve have very important role in assessment of CTS in Computer User individuals.