Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common work-related health problems. It ranks first among occupational diseases compensated under the general Social Security system. As part of the epidemiological surveillance program for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) launched in 2002 as a pilot project in the Pays de la Loire region, CTS was selected as an indicator of upper limb MSDs. This program combines several complementary approaches to describe the epidemiological situation of CTS: estimation of incidence and the proportion of cases attributable to occupational activity in the general population, and estimation of prevalence in the employed population. The estimated annual incidence of surgically treated CTS in Maine-et-Loire was 2.7 per 1,000 women and 1.2 per 1,000 men. The prevalence of SCC estimated in a sample of employees in the region was 4.0% among women and 2.4% among men, ranking second after rotator cuff syndrome of the shoulder. The proportion of cases attributable to work is particularly high among male and female manual workers and among female office workers. These indicators were estimated by occupation and industry sector, making it possible to identify those areas where preventive measures should be implemented as a priority. (R.A.)