Frequency of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Dentists Working in Government Hospitals of Lahore

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused due to compression on median nerve, people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome often experience pain, numbness, tingling sensation and hand weakness. Higher prevalence of Carpal tunnel syndrome has been found in certain vocational groups with repetitive hand movements. Aim of this study was to find the frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome among dentists working in government hospitals of Lahore. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in dentists working in government hospitals of Lahore. The diagnosis of CTS was made on the basis of symptoms, numbness, pain, tingling sensation and hand weakness and phalen's test. Data were collected from 109 dentists. Self- administered questionnaires based on demographic questions and symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome were given to the participants. Out of the 109 dentists103 responded, with a response rate of 94.1%. Mean age of respondents was 31.68 (SD=3.96). Most of the dentists were male (n=64, 62.1%). The average working hours of the dentists were 5.66 (SD=1.1). The frequency of dentists having carpal tunnel syndrome was 15.5%. The study concludes that carpel tunnel syndrome is frequent among dentists working in Hospitals of Lahore. Further studies on ergonomic evaluation of working postures and risk factors associated with CTS among dentists are highly recommended.