April 2005                                                                                               

From: BDF Beiersdorf

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy and accounts for more than 200,000 surgical procedures per year in the United States. CTS has been reported to cause the highest median number of days lost from work of all occupational injuries. The condition affects approximately 3% of adults after age 30 and is three times more prevalent in women than in men. Management options for CTS include noninvasive management and surgical intervention. For all but the most severe cases, the first line of treatment for CTS remains noninvasive management.

The objective of this program, "Nonsurgical Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome," include describing the risk factors and signs and symptoms of CTS as well as strategies for preventing and/or treating it. Pharmacists can play an important role in assisting patients with CTS in selecting and fitting splints and monitoring treatment protocols.

Your participation in this program, supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Beiersdorf Inc., will enhance your knowledge of CTS and enable you to provide more effective counseling to your patients. Beiersdorf understands the importance of continuing education programs and is committed to supporting these programs in order to serve the educational needs of you and your colleagues.

To participate in this program, please go online at www.powerpak.com. If you have specific questions related to this lesson or its grading, please contact Power-Pak CE at 1-800-331-9396.

Beiersdorf Inc.