Causes of the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome and their occupational conditioning

Bulgarian Medical Journal, 16, 2022, № 2, 25-33.

А. Vatkova

Medical Faculty, Sofi a University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia

Abstract. It is considered that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is idiopathic disease, aff ecting 7-16% of the population. Its incidence increases with age, so it predominates between 45 and 64 years. Gender also matters and the female/male ratio is 3:1. Pathogenesis refers to the narrowing of the carpal tunnel from where the median nerve passes, compressing it and disrupting its conduction. Although there is no specifi c etiology, it is believed that some changes in health condition predispose to the development of CTS – diabetes, arthritis, arthrosis, tumors, obesity, and pregnancy. Excluding these predispositions, occupational factors remain, putting workers at risk of acquiring this syndrome. It is di ffi cult to distinguish between professional and non-professional factors and the extent, at which professional conditioning is leading. This has led to many discussions regarding the inclusion of CTS in the list of occupational diseases. This article reviews a number of studies that overlap diff erent theses, there are heterogeneities and contradictions, but they all prove that there are factors in the work environment that contribute to the development of CTS.

Key words: carpal tunnel syndrome, vibrating tools, repetitive movements, awkward had posture, fl exion and extension ofthe wrist, neuropathy, and occupational risk factors

Address for correspondence: AlbenaVatkova, Medical Faculty, Sofi a University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski”, 1 Bogatitsa St., Bg – 1407 Sofia, e-mail: hariomabby@abv.bg