Volume : 2, Issue : 5, May - 2013

Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Two and Four Wheeler Drivers in Chennai � a Cross Sectional Study

Balaji Arumugam, Vinithra Varadarajan

Abstract :

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of median nerve which runs from fore arm into the palm of the forehand. The etiologies can include trauma, repetitive maneuvers, certain diseases, and pregnancy. The most common repetitive maneuver is driving of the vehicles which have become an inevitable cause for the people who are residing in metropolitan cities. Methodology: This study was done with the objectives of finding out the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among vehicle users at Chennai during January to March 2013 as a cross sectional study. Results and Discussion: The results showed that 18.4% of the study participants were having symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and the factors associated were bad condition of road, more mechanical viations, traffic congestion and wrist discomfort while driving. The prevalence was found to be more among the general population, which needs immediate action by the government to reduce the traffic congestion and improvement of roads.