A Study of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Postal Workers

• Main Authors: Lee, Yee-Wen, 李以文
• Other Authors: Ke De-Xin
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 1997
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/60087299391929869210

碩士 === 中國醫藥學院 === 環境醫學研究所 === 85 === The cross-sectional study investigates the occupational and personal risk factor related to the prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Sydrome(CTS)in postal workers. A comparsion was done between a case study group consisting of 75 people with symptoms of CTS and a non case study group of 264 people without signs of CTS. Results showed a significant relationship between the repetitive motions associated with postal workers daily work routine and CTS. Also evidence was the use of hand tools(such as a stamp, chop,etc.)over an exttended period of time led to incidences of CTS. Although not statistically significant, mail sorters were 1.57 times more likely to acquire CTS compared to administrative workers. A case group of 31 and a control group of 94without CTS was selected and ratio of wrist volume was measured and finger vibration threshold was determined by vibrameter. Results showed mail soerters had a higher finger vibration threshold than administrative workers and the former also had a greater number of people withmedian nerve damage across the wrist. Also analyzed was the relationship between finger vibration threshold and the ratio of wrist volume. Results showed ration of wrist volume increased one unit would lead to 0.57g increase of finger vibration threashold on left hand and an increase of 0.38g on the right hand. Also found, but not statistically significant, was the higher the ratio of wrist volume, the greater the finger vibration threahold. Postal workers with CTS symptoms were found to have a greaterratio of wrist volume than the control group. Of special note, a personal risk factor for developing CTS was having square-shaped wrists.