Peer-reviewed research
Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in a general population
Isam Atroshi et al., JAMA, 1999 · DOI 10.1001/jama.282.2.153
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- A population study in southern Sweden that mailed a health survey to 3,000 randomly selected adults aged 25 to 74 and then examined and nerve-tested those reporting hand symptoms. It is the most cited estimate of how common carpal tunnel syndrome is in the general population.
- How much weight it carries
- Peer-reviewed in JAMA with a random population sample, an 83% response rate and nerve conduction testing. It covers one Swedish region in 1997, so rates elsewhere and today may differ.
Facts taken from this source
- In the Swedish population study, 18.4 percent of control subjects with no reported symptoms had abnormal median nerve conduction tests.
“Of 125 control subjects clinically examined, electrophysiological median neuropathy was found in 23 (18.4%; 95% CI, 12.0%-26.3%).” (Results)
- In the Swedish study, about 1 in 5 people with hand symptoms would be expected to have carpal tunnel syndrome on examination and nerve testing.
“1 in 5 symptomatic subjects would be expected to have CTS based on clinical examination and electrophysiologic testing” (Conclusion)
- In a random sample of 2,466 adults aged 25 to 74 in southern Sweden, 2.7% had carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed both by clinical examination and by nerve conduction testing.
“Sixty-six symptomatic subjects had clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed CTS (prevalence, 2.7%; 95% CI, 2.1%-3.4%).” (Abstract, Results)
Pages that rest on this source
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and TypingGuide
- Can you test for carpal tunnel syndrome at home?Question
- Does carpal tunnel syndrome show up on an ultrasound, MRI or X-ray?Question
- How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?Question
- Speech to Text for Accessibility, RSI and DisabilitiesTopic
- Hand and Wrist Pain From Typing: What Is Causing ItGuide