Prevalence of carpal severity tunnel syndrome symptoms in dentists belonging to college of dentists in Chimborazo

Abstract

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve, the first symptoms include pain, numbness and paresthesia, being common in dentists, professionals with intense hand and wrist activity (repetitive movements and prolonged postures). Objective: To determine the prevalence of carpal severity tunnel, syndrome symptoms in dentists belonging to the College of Dentists in Chimborazo (COCH). Methodology: A study with a quantitative approach, descriptive cross-sectional observational design, was carried out in August 2023. Boston questionnaire was applied randomly to 128 dentists affiliated with the COCH using the Google Forms virtual platform. This instrument is self-administered, validated, and measured the functional status and severity of symptoms related to CTS. Results: Most of the participants were right-handed (75%), with less than 10 years work experience (36.72%), who presented wrist pain for more than 6 months (62.5%); this pain was mostly mild and diurnal. The prevalence of severe symptoms of CTS was low (1.61%), being more common the categories “absence” (37.88%) and “mild” (47.25%). Conclusion: A low prevalence of severe symptoms related to CTS in COCH dentists is highlighted, however, it is important to monitor and adopt preventive measures to avoid progressive worsening and affectation in quality of life and work capacity of dentists.