Carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of computer mouse and keyboard: A systematic review

doi:10.1186/1471-2474-9-134

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Volume 9

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Research article

Carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of computer mouse and keyboard: A systematic review

Jane F Thomsen¹ , Fred Gerr²^* and Isam Atroshi³^*

¹Department of Occupational Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital in Glostrup, Nordre Ringvej, DK-2600 Glostrup. Denmark

²Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52245. USA

³Department of Orthopaedics, Hässleholm and Kristianstad Hospitals SE-28125 Hässleholm. Sweden

author email corresponding author email* Contributed equally

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2008, 9:134doi:10.1186/1471-2474-9-134


Published:	6 October 2008

Abstract

Background

This review examines evidence for an association between computer work and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods

A systematic review of studies of computer work and CTS was performed. Supplementary, longitudinal studies of low force, repetitive work and CTS, and studies of possible pathophysiological mechanisms were evaluated.

Results

Eight epidemiological studies of the association between computer work and CTS were identified. All eight studies had one or more limitation including imprecise exposure and outcome assessment, low statistical power or potentially serious biases. In three of the studies an exposure-response association was observed but because of possible misclassification no firm conclusions could be drawn. Three of the studies found risks below 1. Also longitudinal studies of repetitive low-force non-computer work (n = 3) were reviewed but these studies did not add evidence to an association. Measurements of carpal tunnel pressure (CTP) under conditions typically observed among computer users showed pressure values below levels considered harmful. However, during actual mouse use one study showed an increase of CTP to potentially harmful levels. The long term effects of prolonged or repeatedly increased pressures at these levels are not known, however.

Conclusion

There is insufficient epidemiological evidence that computer work causes CTS.