Objective: The aim of this article was to assess key risk factors reported in the literature regarding carpal tunnel syndrome.
Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a chronic focal compressive neuropathy of the median nerve at the level of the carpal tunnel. It is characterized by numbness, tingling, hand and arm pain, and muscle dysfunction. The treatment of CTS consists of surgical release and nonsurgical treatment.
Methods: To this end, we searched the current literature for relevant studies, without employing a specific methodological criterion for identifying and analyzing the literature (this article is not a systematic review).
Results: Exposed workers with a level of hand activity between the basal action limit (AL) and the threshold limit value (TLV) show an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome defined by RR 1.54 (CI 1.02-2.31). This risk increases when exposure exceeds the TLV, i.e. RR 2.04 (CI 1.46-2.82).
Conclusion: An analysis of the current literature shows there is a positive association between risk factors such as gestural repetition, forceful exertion, combined exposures and carpal tunnel syndrome. Moderate evidence exists for vibration and nonneutral posture of wrist. It has been demonstrated that there is a dose-response relationship between exposed workers with a level of hand activity above the AL due to force and repetition as this increases the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.