Carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of computer mouse and keyboard: a systematic review

Jane F Thomsen; Fred Gerr; Isam Atroshi

doi:10.1186/1471-2474-9-134

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Carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of computer mouse and keyboard: a systematic review

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of computer mouse and keyboard: a systematic review

Jane F Thomsen, Fred Gerr and Isam Atroshi

BMC musculoskeletal disorders, Vol.9(1), pp.134-134

10/06/2008

DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-9-134

PMCID: PMC2569035

PMID: 18838001

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Abstract

This review examines evidence for an association between computer work and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A systematic review of studies of computer work and CTS was performed. Supplementary, longitudinal studies of low force, repetitive work and CTS, and studies of possible pathophysiological mechanisms were evaluated. Eight epidemiological studies of the association between computer work and CTS were identified. All eight studies had one or more limitation including imprecise exposure and outcome assessment, low statistical power or potentially serious biases. In three of the studies an exposure-response association was observed but because of possible misclassification no firm conclusions could be drawn. Three of the studies found risks below 1. Also longitudinal studies of repetitive low-force non-computer work (n = 3) were reviewed but these studies did not add evidence to an association. Measurements of carpal tunnel pressure (CTP) under conditions typically observed among computer users showed pressure values below levels considered harmful. However, during actual mouse use one study showed an increase of CTP to potentially harmful levels. The long term effects of prolonged or repeatedly increased pressures at these levels are not known, however. There is insufficient epidemiological evidence that computer work causes CTS.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - epidemiology

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - physiopathology

Cross-Sectional Studies

Cumulative Trauma Disorders - epidemiology

Cumulative Trauma Disorders - physiopathology

Denmark

Humans

Longitudinal Studies

Microcomputers

Risk Factors

Details

Title: Subtitle: Carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of computer mouse and keyboard: a systematic review
Creators: Jane F Thomsen - Glostrup Hospital
Fred Gerr - University of Iowa
Isam Atroshi - Hässleholms Sjukhus
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: BMC musculoskeletal disorders, Vol.9(1), pp.134-134
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-9-134
PMID: 18838001
PMCID: PMC2569035
NLM abbreviation: BMC Musculoskelet Disord
ISSN: 1471-2474
eISSN: 1471-2474
Language: English
Date published: 10/06/2008
Academic Unit: Occupational and Environmental Health; Epidemiology
Record Identifier: 9984364460302771

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