Diagnosis of carpal tunnel through clinical tests and the Boston questionnaire

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Repetitive hand movements are frequently related to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a neuropathy of the median nerve.

Objective: of this study was to investigate the frequency of signs and symptoms suggestive of CTS among universal office assistants (UOA) at La Margarita General Hospital. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used to carry out a descriptive and observational study. The participants were UOA who had been working at the General Hospital of Zone No 20 “La Margarita” for at least six months.

Methods: Data were analyzed using spreadsheets and the Boston questionnaire consisting of 11 items demonstrating high internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90) was administered.

 Results: Regarding the results obtained in this study, they have provided a clear and significant vision about the usefulness of the Boston questionnaire and clinical tests in the timely diagnosis of CTS in AUO personnel. Finding that there is a statistically significant association between Phalen maneuver, Durkan and Tinel maneuvers with the severity of Boston climbing symptoms (p=0.000, p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively).

Conclusions: of this study provide an understanding of the prevalence and nature of signs and symptoms of CTS in AUO, which may be useful for the early identification and management of this problem in this group of workers.

Keywords: Carpal Tunnel 1; Boston Quiz 2; Phalen 3; Tinel 4; Durkan 5