Epidemiology

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy affecting the upper extremities.[1]​ It is more common in women than in men.[1][2]​​[3][4]​​​ The peak onset is usually between ages 40 and 60 years.[1][2][4][5]

In the US, the workplace incidence of CTS is estimated at 2.3 cases per 100 person-years, with a prevalence of 7.8%.[6]​ One UK study reported an annual incidence ranging from 62 to 120 cases per 100,000 person-years in females, and 35 to 60 cases per 100,000 person-years in males, depending on locality.[4] ​In the Netherlands, the crude incidence rate of CTS has been reported as 1.8 cases per 1000 person-years.[2]

Rates of CTS appear to be rising, although this is likely due to better recognition of the condition.[3][5]

Epidemiologic data also vary widely as a result of variability in diagnostic criteria between studies.[3]

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