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Objective: To describe a series of cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosed at our health centre, with an analysis of the influence of work activity., Design: A retrospective and descriptive study of a series of cases., Setting: Patients on two medical lists who sought health care., Participants: 27 people diagnosed as having CTS., Measurements and Main Results: We selected all the cases of CTS diagnosed according to the NIOSH criteria. We analysed symptoms, signs, additional tests and work risks. 24 out of the 27 cases were women. 100% had suggestive symptoms and 48.15% were affected bilaterally. The Tinell sign was positive in 5 cases, the Phalen in 7 and both in 11. 17.4% tested normal. We could see a diagnostic EMG in 19 cases. 59.2% were aged between 40 and 60. In all the cases we detected workplace risk factors: 18.5% housewives, 14.8% working in canning factories and dressmaking, 11.1% working in canning factories and dressmaking and shops/bars, 7.4% were cleaners, canning and fur operatives and mechanics. 3.7% worked at sewing shoes and in agriculture. As an accompanying pathology we detected 14.8% with obesity, 7.4% tenosynovitis and wrist fractures. For 3.7% CTS was a side-effect of diabetes, cervical arthrosis, ACV and dermatomyositis. 55.5% had non associated pathology., Conclusions: 1) The population of Molina de Segura can be considered at high risk of developing CTS. 2) In our environment women seek care for CTS much more often. 3) Most of our patients develop the condition in the workplace.

The carpal tunnel syndrome is a neuropathy due to trapping (focal lesion of the peripheral nerve due to a local cause); in this case, the median nerve is the most commonly involved. Its presentation is characteristic in females about 40 years of age. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical features and is confirmed by electrical criteria. In the anamnesis it is important to consider systemic diseases as causing the abnormality. Treatment depends on the etiology. It may be medical or surgical. In the present article we report three cases with different etiology and treatment. We also review the syndrome.