Retrospective Analysis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Clinical Profile, Demographics, and Risk Factors at Sohar Hospital Over a Two-Year Period

TL;DR

This study examines carpal tunnel syndrome in Oman, finding it most common in women, especially housewives, and linked to obesity, diabetes, and repetitive work.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into CTS demographics, risk factors, and treatment outcomes specific to Oman's population.

Findings

Females (94.5%) and housewives (76.4%) were most affected by CTS.

Surgical management showed better symptom resolution than conservative treatment.

Diabetes, obesity, and repetitive tasks were significant predictors of severe CTS.

Abstract

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Despite its prevalence, the clinical profile, demographics, and associated risk factors vary across populations. In Oman, CTS is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern, particularly among individuals engaged in repetitive hand activities. This study aimed to analyze these aspects in a tertiary care setting in Oman over a two-year period, providing valuable insights into the burden of disease and its determinants.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 182 patients diagnosed with CTS between January 2022 and December 2023. Data on demographic variables, clinical presentations, comorbidities, occupational exposures, electrodiagnostic findings, and management outcomes were collected and analyzed. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed using chi-square tests for categorical data and logistic regression for risk factor analysis, with p-values < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 47.5 ± 10.3 years, with a predominance of females (172, 94.5%). Housewives constituted the largest occupational group (139, 76.4%), followed by nurses (12, 6.6%) and teachers (9, 4.9%). Bilateral CTS was present in 163 (89.6%) cases. Severe CTS was more prevalent in the dominant hand (128, 70.3%). Comorbidities included obesity (76, 41.8%), diabetes mellitus (41, 22.5%), and hypothyroidism (29, 15.9%). Electrodiagnostic studies revealed higher distal motor latencies and reduced sensory nerve conduction velocities in the right hand compared to the left. Surgical management achieved superior symptom resolution (41 (87.2%) versus 65 (48.1%)) (p = 0.007) and nighttime symptom relief (43 (91.5%) versus 72 (53.3%)) (p = 0.002) compared to conservative management. Diabetes (OR 9.26, p < 0.001), obesity (OR 3.98, p = 0.002), and repetitive occupational tasks (OR 5.61, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of severe CTS.

Conclusions

This study highlights the burden of CTS among women, particularly housewives, and underscores the impact of comorbidities and occupational exposures on disease severity. Surgical management demonstrated better outcomes than conservative approaches. Strengthening public health interventions focusing on modifiable risk factors such as obesity control and improved workplace ergonomics is recommended to reduce CTS prevalence and severity.