RESUMO
The objective was studying the socio-professional impact of release surgery for carpal tunnel syndrom (CTS). We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients operated for work-related CTS; data were collected in the Occupational Health Department at the University Hospital Tahar Sfar in Mahdia, Tunisia over a period of 8 years, from 1 January 2006 to December 2013. Data collection was performed using a survey form focusing on participants' socio-professional and medical characteristics and on their professional future. We used Karasek's questionnaire to study psychosocial constraints at work. The duration of a work stoppage following release surgery for CTS was significantly related to the existence of musculoskeletal disorders other than CTS, to a statement that the carpal tunnel syndrome was work related and to job seniority. As regards the professional future of operated employees, 50.7% remained in the same position, 15.3% were given customized workstation and 33.8% were offered a different position within the same company. The professional future of these employees was related to their occupational qualifications and to the type of sensory and/or motor impairment of median nerve detected during EMG test. A number of nonlesional factors determines the duration of the work stoppage, while the professional future of patients operated for CTS essentially depends on their professional qualifications and on EMG data. Certainly much broader studies would allow to refine these results.
