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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Four Symptomatic Radiologists

¹ Department of Radiology, Tripler Army Medical Center, 1 Jarrett White Rd., Honolulu, HI 96859-5000.
² Departments of Radiology and Radiological Sciences and Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799.
³ Department of Occupational Therapy, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859-5000.
⁴ Present address: Occupational Therapy Clinic, MCHJ-PMO, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-5000.
⁵ Present address: Department of Radiology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-5000.
⁶ Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory, Cornell University, MVR Hall, Forest Home Dr., Ithaca, NY 14853-4401.

OBJECTIVE. This report describes work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in four radiologists and identifies risk factors and preventive measures for these syndromes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Four radiologists with complaints of upper extremity pain, numbness, and weakness or a combination of symptoms were examined by an occupational therapist. The work activities and duties of all 12 staff radiologists in our filmless department were subsequently evaluated. Time working as staff, workday hours, and academic activities were recorded. Nonoccupational activities were also noted. An industrial hygienist evaluated the department work areas and staff offices.

RESULTS. One radiologist had bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and all four radiologists had cubital tunnel syndrome (two [50%] unilateral, two [50%] bilateral). The four spent 3.4 ± 0.3 years (mean ± standard error of the mean) as staff radiologists in our filmless department, performing computer keyboard and mouse or trackball image manipulation and work list navigation, typing preliminary reports and telephone notifications, and editing electronically and approving dictated final reports. All four are academically active and had significantly greater workday hours (p < 0.05) and performed more research (p < 0.003) than the asymptomatic radiologists. Three (75%) of four radiologists routinely performed sonography. The industrial hygienist identified hazardous working conditions, especially related to ergonomics, in the reviewing areas and staff offices.

CONCLUSION. Current technology renders staff radiologists at risk for work-related, upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes. Proper equipment, ergonomics, and professional consultation should be used in all radiology departments.

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