The use of ergonomic measures to prevent and control the occurrence of cumulative trauma disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome

Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) are developing in epidemic proportions in today's workplace. Two frequently reported CTDs in industry are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CBTS). The costs associated with each of these is tremendous; therefore, many measures have been developed to prevent and control the onset of each. There are currently two broad categories of preventive measures: ergonomic and behavior change measures. The ergonomic measures focus on eliminating or minimizing the occurrence of the occupational factors hypothesized to contribute to the development of CTS and CBTS (force required by the hands, duration, repetition, vibration, and wrist posture). Behavior change measures focus on changing the protocol of high risk job tasks or occupations. For example, the use of training to educate workers on correct wrist posture during repetitive tasks is a common prevention measure used in industry. Many control measures focus on medical intervention, such as the use of anti-inflammatory agents or surgery to correct the injury. Ergonomic control measures have also been developed that, again, focus on eliminating the aspect of the job tasks or occupations contributing the development of CTS and CBTS. The objective of this paper is to identify measures that can be used to prevent and control the occurrence of CTS and CBTS and to evaluate their effectiveness.