Carpal tunnel syndrome: effect on Army dental personnel

Mil Med. 2000 May;165(5):372-8.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) to determine the prevalence of hand problems, in particular carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), among Army dental personnel; and (2) to identify dental professionals at risk. A 12-page survey was mailed to all U.S. Army military and civilian dental personnel. Of the 6,320 surveys mailed, 80.9% were returned completed. An analysis was performed identifying the prevalence of hand problems and CTS and noting differences between civilian and military dental personnel. Of the 5,115 surveys analyzed, 44.8% indicated hand problems and 25.4% were determined to indicate a high probability of CTS. Of the 18 dental job specialties, dental therapy assistants and dental hygienists had the highest prevalence of CTS, 73% and 57%, respectively. Army dental personnel are at greater risk of developing CTS than the general public, especially civilian dental personnel, who were female, older, and employed longer.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / complications
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / therapy
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Dentistry*
  • Military Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Occupational Diseases / complications
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / physiopathology
  • Occupational Diseases / therapy
  • Occupations
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Care / methods
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Workforce