Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Women of Boyerahmad Township

Background and Objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by the entrapment of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. CTS is a rather frequent complication in pregnancy. Thud, the prevalence of CTS is higher in women compared to men. However, the percentage of CTS related to pregnancy is not known in some countries such as Iran. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of CTS in pregnant and non-pregnant women of Boyerahmad township. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study was done during the period of February ۲۰۱۰ to January ۲۰۱۱ in OB&GYN clinics among ۲,۶۵۶ non-pregnant and ۱,۵۰۸ pregnant women. Among the women whom were referred to the OB&GYN specialists, ۱۷۵ exhibited the clinical symptoms of CTS and were subjected to standard electrodiagnostic studies performed for either ruling in or out CTS by a Physiatrist. Results: The prevalence of CTS in women who had clinical symptoms was ۲.۷%. The prevalence of CTS in pregnant and non-pregnant women was ۳.۴% and ۲ .۳%, respectively. Overall, out of a total of ۵۱ pregnant women who were suffering from CTS, ۵۹.۴% had mild, ۱۸.۸% had moderate, and ۲۱.۹% had severe CTS. Sixty one non-pregnant women had CTS that ۷۳.۶% of whom had mild, ۲۰.۸% had moderate, and ۵.۶% had severe CTS. Conclusion: The prevalence of CTS in pregnant women is higher than non-pregnant women. Also the rate of severe CTS is higher among pregnant women.

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Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome , Prevalence , Severity , Pregnancy , Women