The purpose of this module is twofold. Firstly, to demonstrate the importance of carpal tunnel syndrome as a common occupational health and safety concern and root cause of significant disability and loss of productivity. Secondly, to convey the importance to medical students of taking an occupational history to prevent and reduce the morbidity associated with both non-occupational and occupational illnesses.
Secondary Objectives*
- Identify normal bony, articular and muscular anatomy of the hand.
- Identify important neurovascular relationships and distributions in the hand.
- Develop a technique for focused history taking in any patient presenting with altered hand sensation/function and/or pain.
-
Learn strategies to obtain a detailed occupational history and to assess the clinical relevance of workplace exposures.
-
Recognize that occupational diseases are reportable to public health agencies
- Develop a standard approach to examination of the hand and upper limb in a patient presenting with altered hand sensation/function and/or pain.
- Recognise the relevance of some typical findings from the history and physical examination of the hand and upper limb.
- Be aware that other diseases can result in altered hand sensation/function and/or pain.
- Select appropriate investigations to aid in diagnosis.
- Develop an initial plan of management for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Understand the link between occupational exposures and carpal tunnel syndrome to facilitate management and return to work.
*Adapted from the following sources: (1) Queen’s University Undergraduate Medical Education Curricular Goals and Competency Based Objectives, Medical Expert Competency 3 Clinical Presentations; (2) Medical Council of Canada, MCC 66: Numbness/Tingling/Altered Sensation and 74-4: Work-Related Health Issues; and (3) literature review.
Previous ι Next