Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Agriculture Workers

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy involving nervus medianus, which is compressed in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. The hypothesis of the literature review is that occupational related biomechanical stressors increase the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among agriculture workers. A higher prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome is seen among agriculture workers due to heavy manual load. The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among agriculture workers is estimated to be 5,6-55,3% depending on work tasks. Showing that the prevalence of CTS is higher among agriculture workers compared to general population where it’s estimated to be at 4-5%. The high prevalence comes down to the same etiology, work related biomechanical stressors and risk factors; prolonged and high repetitive hand movements, repeated flexion and extension of the wrist, usage of grip force and awkward position of the wrist. Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome are nonsurgical and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment is often the primary management option.