CTD: carpal tunnel syndrome, the facts and myths.

Recognition of the need for risk control of occupational injuries and prevention programs has led to many new studies demonstrating that occupational diseases are multifactorial in etiology, and that a specific job may not be the primary cause for occurrence. As a result of the many causes, myths about work-related injuries have developed. CTDs are the majority of occupational injuries. Individual risk factors are a better predictor of development of CTD and CTS than are job-related factors. Risk for carpal tunnel syndrome is closely related to general physical condition. Improved general health and health prevention programs may reduce an individual's risk level for developing a cumulative trauma injury. Risk measurement systems now allow employers to establish programs with measurable results. Since assessing the individual risk factors provides the best opportunity to attain the goal of prevention, the next step is for employee, employers, insurance carriers and the medical profession to establish concurrent prevention programs based on human risk factor evaluation systems.