Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral mononeuropathy seen in clinical practice. Approximately 34% of CTS patients undergo carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) surgery, in the UK. We investigated the change in epidemiology of CTD based on sex, age, socio-economic deprivation and geographical location, in Scotland, over the last 20 years.
76,076 CTD were performed between 1996–2015 (71% female, M:F ratio 1:2.4). The overall incidence rate of CTD was 73/100,000 person years. The mean age was 50–59 years old for both sexes. Socio-economic deprivation was associated with higher incidence rates of CTD (most deprived 89/100,000 person years and least deprived 64/100,000 person years) (p<0.01). NHS health boards with low populations and a more rural location had higher incidence rates; mean 98/100,000 person years (range 4–238/100,000 person years) compared to high population heath boards in urban locations; mean 74/100,000 person years (range 4–149/100,000 person years) (p<0.01). There has been a significant increase in number and overall incidence of CTD, in Scotland, during the study period: in 1996, 1,156 CTD performed (incidence 23/100,000 person years) vs. 2015, 5,292 CTD performed (incidence 87/100,000 person years) (p<0.01).
We conclude that middle aged females are still the most common demographic undergoing CTD but the incidence rate is increasing over time. There appears to be an association between CTD and socio-economic deprivation. The incidence of CTD, and change over time, differs between health boards.
