Carpal tunnel syndrome in physiotherapists in Bloemfontein

English: Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy of the upper limb with a 3-5% prevalence among the worldwide general adult population. It is associated with specific personal factors, certain medical conditions, repetitive and forceful hand and wrist movements and occupation. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of CTS among physiotherapists. Method: The cross-sectional study included 64 participants, chosen by means of convenience sampling from a population of 158 physiotherapists. Demographic data, details of occupational activities; possible personal, medical and occupational causative factors and arm and hand symptoms were gathered by a structured interview. A participant-completed Katz hand diagram was used to clarify information on upper limb symptoms. Typical CTS signs, height and weight were determined by a physical examination. Results: According to the case definition the prevalence of definitive CTS was 7.8% and of probable CTS was 7.8%. Age over 40 years and rheumatoid arthritis as personal or medical history causative factors was statistically significant among the definitive diagnosis group. Overweight showed a tendency towards a definitive CTS diagnosis. Years in practice, hours working overtime and working in the neurosurgery field was occupational causative factors in the definitive CTS diagnosed group. No occupational activities or treatment techniques could be found to be associated with the CTS diagnosis. Longer resting periods between patients was the only statistically significant management strategy among the definitive CTS diagnosed group. Conclusion: Physiotherapy is an at risk occupation for the development of CTS with a prevalence of 15.6% when combining the definitive and probable diagnosis groups, but with no clear occupational activities or treatment techniques as possible risk factors identified.