Results of a study on Carpal tunnel syndrome among hospital cleaning staff in relation to clinical and electrophysiological findings

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive mononeuropathy leading to disability. CTS is more common among professionals, such as waiters, cleaners, gardeners, and seamstresses. It is necessary to assess clinical severity and implement treatment and secondary prevention for CTS. Aim: To study the correlation between clinical and electrophysiological examinations in floor cleaners diagnosed with CTS. Materials and Methods: The study included floor cleaners at the Third State Central Hospital diagnosed with CTS. Clinical and electrophysiological analyses were used to confirm the diagnosis. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was used to assess pain and functional status, and neurologic examination was used to confirm the clinical and diagnostic findings. Electrophysiological examination and BCTQ results were categorised as mild, moderate, or severe. The study employed a single-point analytical design, and statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS 27.0. Results: The study included a total of n=32 CTS cases and found that the average age, high BMI, diabetes, hypothyroidism, joint disease, and previous hand fractures were more common. The primary symptom of MDS was hand tingling, which was predominantly bilateral and lasted an average of 19.06±18.87 months. Among CTS cases, when categorised by the severity of motor and sensory loss (mild, moderate, severe), smoking was statistically significant in the mild and moderate groups, but not in the severe group (p=0.027). Most symptom severity and functional status scores assessed by the BCTQ were mild to moderate. Conclusion: For hospital floor cleaners, a diagnosis of CTS based on complaints and clinical assessment alone is insufÏcient; electrophysiological confirmation is recommended.