Abstract

Between July 1994 and June 1995, residents of the island of Montreal undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were asked to complete a questionnaire on occupational hazards associated with this condition. Of the 1 112 potential respondents, 238 actually completed the questionnaire; the ratio of female to male respondents was 3:1. The highest rate of CTS was observed among women at least 45 years old. Occupational factors were responsible for 23% of the cases overall, and from 54% to 91% of cases in the following groups: housekeeping workers, data-entry clerks, materials handlers, workers in the food and drink processing sector, workers in the food and drink service sector, printing equipment operators, child care workers, and truck drivers. In contrast, CTS was not the most representative cumulative trauma disorder in other occupational groups, e.g. seamstresses.