d as it passes deep to the muscles and tendons in the forearm through an anatomic passage in the carpal tunnel in the wrist (American Medical Association, 1989). Predisposing factors for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome include excessive flexion and extension activity at the wrist joint, prior wrist fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, acromegaly, and amyloidosis (Roel, 1991). There is some indication in the literature that a tendency to carpal tunnel syndrome development may be inherited (Michaud, 1990). The condition can become crippling if not effectively treated (Carpi, 1989).
In the contemporary workplace, the operation of video display terminal keyboards is often cited as a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (American Society for Information Science, 1991; he Economist, 1990; Carpi, 1989; Mayo Clinic, 1989; Segal, 1988). Musicians are also frequently found among carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers (Lockwood, 1989). Other occupations cited as causes of carpal tunnel
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