March 21, 2007—Two recently released studies indicate that overuse of the wrist and hand, particularly by repetitive typing, is less to blame for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) than previously believed.
According to research announced at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting, the main risk factor is genetic, possibly related to the structure of the hand and wrist. Their recommendations for standard treatment options remain the same: rest, immobilization of the wrist, and surgery to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Research announced by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) focuses on bent or flexed wrist postures that increase pressure on the median nerve. The study established limits on how much a wrist can be flexed in all directions before nerve damage sets in.
