Carpal tunnel syndrome in manual tea harvesters

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to present the physiopathological and surgical aspects of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) related to manual tea harvesting based on nerve conduction studies and clinical scoring systems. Patients and methods: Clinical and neurophysiological scores as well as clinical and occupational variables were statistically analyzed using Boston questionnaire, modified criteria of Italian CTS study group, and modified neurophysiologic grading system of Italian CTS study group in 56 agricultural laborers who underwent surgery due to severe CTS. Results: A statistically significant correlation was found among the clinical stages of the patients and age, working duration and duration of symptoms. There was a statistically significant relationship among neurophysiologic grades of the CTS in patients and the duration of symptoms and functional outcomes before and after surgery. Conclusion: We concluded that manual tea harvesting might be an occupational risk factor for work-related CTS development. Surgical treatment of CTS among manual tea harvesters revealed satisfactory results.