íntomas y factores de riesgos en relación al síndrome del túnel carpiano en mujeres embaladoras de una industria de frutas, en la ciudad Villa Regina, Río Negro

Abstract

The carpal tunnel is an osteofibrous structure which is located in the wrist in the palmar side or before, constituted by diverse structures, of which the median nerve is the most superficial element and the main one affected by the syndrome. The carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is defined as the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, which may be caused by risk factors such as efforts and/or repetitive movements in prolonged times, forced postures maintained for long periods of time. Such condition is characterized by hand ache during nights, finger numb, swelling paresthesias, hypesthesias and eventually hypotrophy of the thenar muscles, being more frequent in females. In addition, this syndrome prevails in people whose job has to do with repetitive manual work. This exact situation happens to people who work as fruit packers in the fruit industry, a common economic activity in Villa Regina region. This work aims at identifying pieces of evidence to analyse the possibility of developing CTS in women who work as fruit packers in one of the fruit industry in Villa Regina city, Río Negro province. The methodology considered in this investigation was quantitative and descriptive, which allowed us to quantify and analyze and interpret the findings. As an instrument to get the information, 47 women whose job is to pack fruit in the packing section in the industry took part in a survey. This was based on the Boston scale with adaptations, specially adding a general view about how satisfied with the working environment they are. After the surveys, the data obtained was analyzed and interpreted. It concluded that the fruit packers share similar features related to CTS and some risk factors which worsen this issue. It was also concluded that it is necessary to give suggestions and education to raise awareness about this issue, intervening with ergonomic and kinephylactic measures needed to prevent getting CTS.