Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Dentists of Faisalabad

Abstract

Dentists in their practice are daily exposed to work-related vibrations. The
important cause of work disability is carpal tunnel syndrome. The study aimed to determine
the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dental practitioners. In this cross-sectional
study data from 100 dentists was collected using convenient sampling technique. Prior to
data collection consent form was sent to the respective dental section of government
hospitals of Faisalabad. The dentists who met the inclusion criterion were invited to
participate in the study. The diagnosis was made according to clinical tests of Phalen and
Tinel. Age, sex, years of experience, working hours per week and the type of procedure were
then be considered as dependent variables. Overall, prevalence rate of 60 % of carpal tunnel
syndrome among old, aged dentists was observed. This study concluded that the risk of
carpel tunnel syndrome increases with age. It also concluded that 60% prevalence rate was
found in the dentists. Older dentists of age 35-50 year were included in more risk group than
younger 20-25 year.