11 Astounding Carpal Tunnel Statistics

With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome being one of the most common surgery performed, we wanted to compile a helpful list of statistics. These stats come from a variety of sources in hopes to provide a holistic understanding about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Surgery.

1. According to the compiled information from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Carpal Tunnel surgery is the second most common type of surgery, with well over 230,000 procedures performed annually.
2. The U.S. Department of Labor has concluded that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the "chief occupational hazard of the 90's"-disabling workers in epidemic proportions.
3. According to NIOSHA, Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.
4. Women are twice as likely to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as opposed to their male counterparts.
5. Ergonomic disorders are the fastest growing category of work-related illness. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , they account for 56 percent of illnesses reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
6. United States, employers spend more than $7.4 billion in workers compensation costs, and untold billions on medical treatment, litigation costs, hidden costs and lost productivity. U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
7. More than eight million people are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome each year. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is the second most common type of musculoskeletal surgery, (back surgery is #1) with well over 230,000 procedures performed annually.
8. There seems to be a statistically higher incidence of recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome after endoscopic release compared with the traditional open release in our cases. Although the pathogenesis of this increased rate of recurrence is not clear, this should be considered when planning surgical release of the volar carpal ligament for carpal tunnel syndrome. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 105: 1662, 2000.)
9. Many patients are undergoing multiple surgeries, which can cause complications ranging from excessive scar tissue overgrowth (re- compressing the nerve tunnel) to surgical injuries that leave the fingers totally devoid of sensation. United Press, August 8, 1996.
10. 10. If you type 40 words a minute : you press 12,000 keys per hour or 96,000 keys per 8-hour day.
11. Approximately 8 ounces of force is necessary to depress one key. Almost 16 tons of force will be exercised by your fingers.