Outcomes assessment in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most prevalent compressive neuropathy, is exceedingly common. The incidence of this condition has been estimated to be as low as 0.1% to as high as 10%. Direct medical costs related to carpal tunnel syndrome exceed $1 billion per year, with over 200,000 surgical procedures performed annually. Additionally, untold millions of dollars are spent on as-of-yet unproven ergonomic aides in attempts to prevent the condition. a survey of nearly 30,000 workers affected by carpal tunnel syndrome were reported to have lost a median of 25 work days that further adds to the cost of this condition. After spending time in any busy hand surgeon's office, one would think that an epidemic of "carpal tunnel" has erupted.