Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and other work-related musculoskeletal problems in cardiac sonographers

Cardiac sonographers at a regional medical center have experienced carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and other work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The nationwide incidence of these problems was not known. A questionnaire pertaining to possible causes of work-related injuries was developed and distr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of occupational medicine Vol. 35; no. 6; p. 604
Main Authors:	Vanderpool, H E, Friis, E A, Smith, B S, Harms, K L
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-06-1993
Subjects:	Adult Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - epidemiology Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - etiology Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - prevention & control Cross-Sectional Studies Cumulative Trauma Disorders - epidemiology Cumulative Trauma Disorders - etiology Cumulative Trauma Disorders - prevention & control Echocardiography Female Humans Incidence Kansas - epidemiology Male Middle Aged Musculoskeletal Diseases - epidemiology Musculoskeletal Diseases - etiology Musculoskeletal Diseases - prevention & control Occupational Diseases - epidemiology Occupational Diseases - etiology Occupational Diseases - prevention & control Pilot Projects Posture Risk Factors Kansas
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Summary:	Cardiac sonographers at a regional medical center have experienced carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and other work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The nationwide incidence of these problems was not known. A questionnaire pertaining to possible causes of work-related injuries was developed and distributed to 225 cardiac sonographers. A 47% response rate was achieved with 72% female respondents. Eighty-six percent reported one or more physical symptoms. Only 3% of respondents had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Posture correlated significantly with other work-related musculoskeletal injuries. High-pressure hand grip correlated significantly with carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. No other strong relations with physical symptoms were found. The contribution of specific factors to musculoskeletal problems experienced by cardiac sonographers was difficult to determine.
ISSN:	0096-1736
DOI:	10.1097/00043764-199306000-00018