LAUSR

Objectives Some patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) complain of difficulty in gripping and dropping objects. Occupationally extensive and long-term use of the hands is a risk factor for CTS. In this study, the prevalence of CTS and object dropping complaints were analysed in relation to body-Mass Index (BMI) and anthropometric hand measurements in a group of dentists with long working hours. Methods 79 dentists (53 females, mean age 28.5 ± 3.9) and 50 age and gender-matched controls [30 females, mean age 26.4 ± 5.8] were included. Clinical examination, hand preference questionnaire, Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ), anthropometric measurements of the hands and a questionnaire for frequent object dropping were performed. Electromyography was performed in 21 dentists and 10 controls. Results Weekly occupational hand usage was higher in dentists than controls [33.6 ± 13 vs 12.8 ± 13 h]. The prevalence of frequent object dropping was also higher in dentists (24.1% vs 10%). Although symptoms suggestive of CTS were present in 13 dentists, objective CTS findings were found in only 1. Clinical examination and BCTQ findings showed no significant difference between the groups. There were no significant correlation between the anthropometric measurements and BCTQ scores and frequent object dropping. Discussion and conclusions The probable cause of the low prevalence of CTS in our dentist group may be the young age. The complaint of frequent object dropping can be explained by their increased awareness about their hand function. Significance The relation between object dropping, CTS and the associated features were investigated in a group with occupational excessive hand usage.