Borhan Haghighi A, Khosropanah H, Vahidnia F, Esmailzadeh S, Emami Z
Dept. of Neurology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
Dept. of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
J Dent (Shiraz). 2013 Mar;14(1):37-40.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an important cause of work disability. There is controversy over the relation between carpal tunnel syndrome and occupation. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the time-span of practicing dentistry and the role of dominant hands in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
In this descriptive cross sectional study, 40 dentists and dental students (15 women and 25 men) undertook the electroneuro-diagnostic test in both hands by an electromyogram (EMG) and they were also evaluated in terms of self- reported clinical symptoms.
17.5% of participants were diagnosed to have decreased nerve conduction velocity while10% had reported clinical symptoms of CTS. Both dominant and non-dominant hands were involved. Within cases who were diagnosed as having median nerve neuropathy, 87.5% worked more than 20 hours per week. 57% had 17-23 years of dental practice experience and 14.2% of cases had10-16 years of practice in dentistry.
The high rate of CTS symptoms, in both dominant and non-dominant hand among dental practitioners with more years of dental practice, indicates a prequisite for particular attention, then sufficient education on the major risk factors causing this problem. Early diagnosis of these symptoms may improve the future management of the disease.
腕管综合征（CTS）是工作致残的一个重要原因。关于腕管综合征与职业之间的关系存在争议。本研究的目的是评估从事牙科工作的时长以及优势手在腕管综合征发病中的作用之间的关系。
在这项描述性横断面研究中，40名牙医和牙科学生（15名女性和25名男性）通过肌电图（EMG）对双手进行了神经电诊断测试，并且还根据自我报告的临床症状进行了评估。
17.5%的参与者被诊断为神经传导速度降低，而10%的人报告有腕管综合征的临床症状。优势手和非优势手均受累。在被诊断为正中神经病变的病例中，87.5%的人每周工作超过20小时。57%的人有17 - 23年的牙科从业经验，14.2%的病例有10 - 16年的牙科从业经验。
在从业年限较长的牙科从业者中，优势手和非优势手出现腕管综合征症状的比例都很高，这表明需要特别关注，然后对导致该问题的主要风险因素进行充分教育。对这些症状的早期诊断可能会改善该疾病未来的治疗情况。
