The U.S. Department of Labor has concluded that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the "chief occupational hazard of the 90's"- disabling workers in epidemic proportions.
The following statistics provides some insight as to the devastating physical and financial affects of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome epidemic on workers and their families:
- Currently, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects over 8 million Americans .
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the #1 reported medical problem accounting for about 50% of all work-related injuries.
- Presently, 25% of all computer operators have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with estimates that by the year 2000, 50% of the entire workforce may be affected .
- Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the second most common type of surgery with over 230,000 procedures performed yearly.
- Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.
- Up to 36% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients require unlimited medical treatment .
- Women are twice as likely to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as opposed to their male counterparts.
- While women account for about 45% of all workers they experience nearly 2/3's of all work-related Repetitive Stress Injuries .
(Sources: Bureau of Labor and Statistics and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-NIOSH)
