Global and regional prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome: a meta-analysis based on a systematic review

Gebrye, Tadesse ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7976-2013, Jeans, Edward, Yeowell, Gillian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3872-9799, Mbada, Chidozie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3666-7432 and Fatoye, Francis ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3502-3953 (2024) Global and regional prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome: a meta-analysis based on a systematic review. Musculoskeletal Care, 22 (4). e70024. ISSN 1478-2189

Preview

Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a considerable concern, impacting individual health and socio-economic factors. A systematic review and meta-analysis of CTS prevalence would offer valuable insights for healthcare planning, improving outcomes and reducing the burden for affected individuals. Methods: In line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of CTS. Medline, CINAHL, AMED, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published from 1st of January 2012 to 10th of October 2024. The pooled prevalence rates were determined using a random effects model. Results: The search yielded 548 initial findings, 103 duplicate records were eliminated, and only 31 of these papers were deemed relevant for inclusion in this review. The prevalence estimates were sourced from 15 different countries, including the United States (n=8), Saudi Arabia (n=5), Ethiopia (n=3), and Brazil (n=2), among others. Each of the following countries contributed one study: China, France, Germany, India, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Korea, the Netherlands, and Sweden. In total, the included studies analysed 5,311,785 individuals, revealing a prevalence of CTS ranging from 0.003 to 0.743. The random-effects meta-analysis yielded an overall prevalence estimate of 0.144, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.067 to 0.282, based on 30 studies. Conclusion: The prevalence estimates for CTS are notably high, highlighting the need for effective surgical management strategies. Developing and implementing these interventions is crucial to enhancing health outcomes for individuals affected by CTS.