Research project Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common occupational disorders. We investigate how occupational exposures influence surgical outcomes and return to work.
Working with vibrating tools, hand-intensive tasks, and in cold environments can increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. In this project, we follow subjects who have undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome and investigate how the work environment affects prognosis and work ability. The aims are to optimize recovery after surgery and develop evidence-based recommendations for return to work.
Background
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common condition in the working population and can affect both quality of life and work ability, and entail high costs for society. There is a lack of knowledge about how factors at work affect the long-term prognosis after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. We also do not know what advice to give before returning to work regarding what tasks to perform.
Purpose
The overall purpose of the study is to investigate the importance of occupational factors for those undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in relation to function, prognosis, and return to work. We want to compare the prognosis after surgery for those who continue to be exposed to vibration, hand-intensive tasks, or cold, versus those who are not. We also want to map sick leave patterns, work ability, and the involvement of occupational health care services in the rehabilitation.
Method
The study recruits more than 200 subjects who have undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome at the University Hospital of Umeå and who have been exposed to vibration, hand-intensive tasks, or cold in their work. They are followed for three years to evaluate how symptoms change over time, the rate of return to work, and the use of occupational health care services. Comparisons will be made both against an internal reference group without exposure and against the national hand surgery quality register.
Expected results
The project will provide important information about how work-related risk factors affect the prognosis after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, how long sick leave is needed, what modifications to work tasks are necessary, and whether work ability is affected in the longer term. We will also gain valuable experience of how occupational health care services can be used effectively in the rehabilitation process.
