Shearer's wrist: the carpal tunnel syndrome as an occupational disease in professional sheep shearers.

Compression neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, better known as the carpal tunnel syndrome, occurs most commonly in adults aged between 30 and 60 years ofage, and is five times more common in women than men.' Any condition that crowds or reduces the capacity ofthe carpal tunnel may initiate the symptoms. Local causes include malaligned Colles' fracture, oedema from trauma or infection, and tumours such as ganglia, lipomata or xanthomata. Systemic conditions associated with the syndrome include diabetes mellitus, myxoedema, amyloidosis, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, acromegaly, and obesity. Several well documented specific occupations causing carpal tunnel syndrome have also been described including dental hygienists,2 meat packers,3 butchers,4 and garment workers.5 No relation between the occupation of sheep shearing and carpal tunnel syndrome has previously been described, however.