Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy Pain
Conditions
Brief summary
This case-control study aims to investigate the effects of occupational hand-arm vibration exposure on median and ulnar nerve functions in tattoo artists. Chronic exposure to vibration generated by tattoo machines may lead to neurosensory impairment, reduced tactile sensitivity, and decreased hand strength. Objective assessments including nerve provocation tests, sensory threshold evaluation, two-point discrimination, vibration perception, grip and pinch strength measurements, and validated patient-reported outcome questionnaires will be used. Findings will be compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Detailed description
This observational cross-sectional case-control study evaluates neurosensory and motor function differences between professional tattoo artists exposed to long-term occupational vibration and healthy controls. Chronic exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) has been associated with peripheral neuropathy, entrapment neuropathies, and sensory receptor dysfunction. Participants will undergo standardized assessment including: Tinel, Phalen, reverse Phalen, and elbow flexion tests Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing Two-point discrimination Vibration perception testing (30 Hz and 256 Hz) Grip and pinch strength measurements Brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire The study aims to determine whether occupational vibration exposure is associated with measurable alterations in median and ulnar nerve sensory and motor function.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Gazi University
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age ≥ 18 years * Professional tattoo artists with at least 1 year of occupational experience (case group) * Healthy individuals without occupational vibration exposure (control group) * Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent * No upper extremity trauma or surgery within the last 6 months
Exclusion criteria
* Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus * Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy * History of cervical radiculopathy or cervical disc herniation * History of upper extremity surgery or injury * Presence of rheumatologic or systemic inflammatory diseases * Pregnancy * Substance or alcohol abuse * Engagement in a second occupation involving repetitive hand use or vibration exposure
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Threshold | Baseline (single assessment session) | Assessment of light touch sensory threshold using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments applied to the index and little fingers. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Point Discrimination | Baseline (single assessment session) | Minimum distance (mm) at which two points are perceived as separate on index and little fingers |
| Vibration Perception Duration | Baseline (single assessment session) | Duration (seconds) of vibration perception using tuning fork (30 Hz and 256 Hz) |
| Grip Strength | Baseline (single assessment session) | Maximal hand grip strength measured using a dynamometer (kg) |
| Pinch Strength | Baseline (single assessment session) | Lateral and tip pinch strength measured using a pinch gauge (kg) |
| Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Score | Baseline (single assessment session) | Symptom severity and functional status scores (1-5 scale) |
| Brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire Score | Baseline (single assessment session) | Hand function score normalized to a 0-100 scale |
| Nerve Provocation Test Positivity | Baseline (single assessment session) | Presence of positive findings in Tinel, Phalen, reverse Phalen, and elbow flexion tests |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed