Carpal tunnel syndrome: An evaluation clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of 350 patients

• Main Authors: Nermin Tanık, Ümit Sarp, Asuman Çelikbilek, Mehmet Uçar, Özlem Balbaloglu, Hakan Ak, Hasan Onur Arık, Tugay Atalay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dicle University Medical School 2014-09-01
• Series: Dicle Medical Journal
• Subjects: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Sociodemographic features
• Online Access: http://www.diclemedj.org/upload/sayi/33/Dicle%20Med%20J-02222.pdf
• ISSN: 1300-2945; 1308-9889

Objective: This study aimed to define the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with carpaltunnel syndrome. Methods: The study comprised 350 patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Exclusion criteria were cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, polyneuropathy, pregnancy and a history of upper extremity trauma. The sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and the clinical characteristics of the carpal tunnel syndrome were recorded. Results: Of the total 350 patients, 86.2% were female, mean age was 52.5 years, 69.7% were obese, bilateral involvement was determined in 72.9% and the duration of symptoms was 3.0±0.9 years. 98.3% of the patients were married, 79.1% were housewives, 80.6% had a moderate income level, 59.6% were educated to primary school level and the most common ccompanying disease was diabetes at a rate of 26.9%. Conclusion: The study results showed that in Central Anatolia, carpal tunnel syndrome was seen in middleaged, obese, married housewives of moderate income and a low educational level. Generally, there was no accompanying disease, bilateral involvement was high and the disease was determined to have become chronic. With the detailed examination of the ociodemographic data of carpal tunnel syndrome patients, a good definition of a profile specific to this society will contribute to the treatment process.