January 11, 2002—A new report on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) from the Work Loss Data Institute (WLDI) shows the prevalence of CTS increases by almost 60% (56.77%) in data entry/typing positions. Furthermore, as a group, administrative and clerical workers demonstrate a high prevalence of CTS compared to that of the general population.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): Determinants of Return-to-Work addresses the overall prevalence and duration of CTS as well as the impact of occupation, gender, age, race/ethnicity, and co-morbidities on the prevalence and duration of CTS. The outcome and prevalence of different types of therapy on CTS duration are also covered.
The study affirms what disability managers have experienced: that CTS rates are much higher in women than in men. CTS rates among adult females are exactly twice that of adult males. Females with CTS also show a higher absence rate and longer disability duration than those of their male counterparts.
An intriguing aspect of the report is the CTS data with respect to age. From the 18-24 age bracket, low CTS rates and disability duration increase with age, as expected. But the rates actually peak at middle age. In fact, the average CTS disability duration is lowest in the 65-74 age bracket, and the corresponding CTS rate is just half of the highest rate, which occurs in the middle age bracket (45-54). This information is welcomed in light of growing concerns regarding the aging workforce, increased demand for computer work, and uncertainty in the future of Social Security.
The WLDI report is based on the most recent available data (1999) from the National Health Interview Survey. The statistics are contrary to some recently published material, including the findings of a Mayo Clinic study that offers no correlation between computer work and CTS. The WLDI report cites differences in sample size (nearly 100,000 in their report) and in diagnostic criteria as possible reasons for the disparity. To purchase Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): Determinants of Return-to-Work ($50, available in electronic and hardcopy formats) visit WLDI or call 800/488-5548 or 361/883-5000.
