Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and their associated factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common occupational risk for plastic surgeons, affecting hand functionality and overall quality of life. This study aimed to explore and determine CTS symptoms prevalence and risk factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross...

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Main Authors: Ahmed Alharbi, Kayan Alotaibi, Alya AlZabin, Ebtesam Almajed, Ghaida Alotaibi, Norah Alqntash, Haya Alotaibi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08958-5
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author Ahmed Alharbi
Kayan Alotaibi
Alya AlZabin
Ebtesam Almajed
Ghaida Alotaibi
Norah Alqntash
Haya Alotaibi
author_facet Ahmed Alharbi
Kayan Alotaibi
Alya AlZabin
Ebtesam Almajed
Ghaida Alotaibi
Norah Alqntash
Haya Alotaibi
author_sort Ahmed Alharbi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common occupational risk for plastic surgeons, affecting hand functionality and overall quality of life. This study aimed to explore and determine CTS symptoms prevalence and risk factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized an online questionnaire to poll plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia. Participants submitted sociodemographic data, clinical attributes, and completed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). The data were examined via descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation, and multivariable regression analysis. Results Among the 100 surveyed surgeons, the prevalence of CTS symptoms was significant, with 43% indicating hand numbness. Key predictors of CTS symptoms comprised years of experience, a history of degenerative disc disease, and hand numbness. Predictors of increased CTS-associated functional status included surgeons with numbness in both dominant and non-dominant hands, and increased frequency of performing liposuction procedures. Conclusion The occupational hazard of CTS among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia is significant, indicating the necessity for focused interventions to reduce CTS risk factors and enhance ergonomic procedures in surgical environments.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1471-2474
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher BMC
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series BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
spelling doaj-art-a2eab4e5402b4ccbac2b7f8dc806211c2025-08-20T04:01:43ZengBMCBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders1471-24742025-07-0126111010.1186/s12891-025-08958-5Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and their associated factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional studyAhmed Alharbi0Kayan Alotaibi1Alya AlZabin2Ebtesam Almajed3Ghaida Alotaibi4Norah Alqntash5Haya Alotaibi6Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman UniversityCollege of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman UniversityCollege of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman UniversityCollege of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman UniversityCollege of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman UniversityCollege of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman UniversityDepartment of surgery, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman UniversityAbstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common occupational risk for plastic surgeons, affecting hand functionality and overall quality of life. This study aimed to explore and determine CTS symptoms prevalence and risk factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized an online questionnaire to poll plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia. Participants submitted sociodemographic data, clinical attributes, and completed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). The data were examined via descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation, and multivariable regression analysis. Results Among the 100 surveyed surgeons, the prevalence of CTS symptoms was significant, with 43% indicating hand numbness. Key predictors of CTS symptoms comprised years of experience, a history of degenerative disc disease, and hand numbness. Predictors of increased CTS-associated functional status included surgeons with numbness in both dominant and non-dominant hands, and increased frequency of performing liposuction procedures. Conclusion The occupational hazard of CTS among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia is significant, indicating the necessity for focused interventions to reduce CTS risk factors and enhance ergonomic procedures in surgical environments.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08958-5Carpal tunnel syndromePrevalencePlastic surgeryOccupational injuriesSaudi Arabia
spellingShingle Ahmed Alharbi
Kayan Alotaibi
Alya AlZabin
Ebtesam Almajed
Ghaida Alotaibi
Norah Alqntash
Haya Alotaibi
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and their associated factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Prevalence
Plastic surgery
Occupational injuries
Saudi Arabia
title Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and their associated factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_full Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and their associated factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_fullStr Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and their associated factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_full_unstemmed Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and their associated factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_short Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and their associated factors among plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_sort carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and their associated factors among plastic surgeons in saudi arabia a cross sectional study
topic Carpal tunnel syndrome
Prevalence
Plastic surgery
Occupational injuries
Saudi Arabia
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08958-5
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