Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Hand and Wrist: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Sensorimotor Changes

Details

• Personal Author:
  Barbe MF ; Barr AE ; Clark BD
• Description:
  The purpose of this commentary is to present recent epidemiological findings regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of the hand and wrist, and to summarize experimental evidence of underlying tissue pathophysiology and sensorimotor changes in WMSDs. Sixty-five percent of the 333 800 newly reported cases of occupational illness in 2001 were attributed to repeated trauma. WMSDs of the hand and wrist are associated with the longest absences from work and are, therefore, associated with greater lost productivity and wages than those of other anatomical regions. Selected epidemiological studies of hand/wrist WMSDs published since 1998 are reviewed and summarized. Results from selected animal studies concerning underlying tissue pathophysiology in response to repetitive movement or tissue loading are reviewed and summarized. To the extent possible, corroborating evidence in human studies for various tissue pathomechanisms suggested in animal models is presented. Repetitive, hand-intensive movements, alone or in combination with other physical, nonphysical, and nonoccupational risk factors, contribute to the development of hand/wrist WMSDs. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms of tissue injury include inflammation followed by repair and/or fibrotic scarring, peripheral nerve injury, and central nervous system reorganization. Clinicians should consider all of these pathomechanisms when examining and treating patients with hand/wrist WMSDs. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Animals Cumulative Trauma Disorders Ergonomics Laboratories Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal System Nervous System Nervous System Diseases Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Animal-studies Cumulative-trauma Cumulative-trauma-disorders Laboratory-animals Muscle-function Muscle-tissue Muscular-disorders Musculoskeletal-system-disorders Neuromuscular-function Neuromuscular-system Neuromuscular-system-disorders Repetitive-work

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• ISSN:
  0190-6011
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 3 ; Pennsylvania
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  34
• Issue:
  10
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20029004
• Citation:
  J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2004 Oct; 34(10):610-627
• Contact Point Address:
  Physical Therapy Department, College of Health Professions, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2005
• NORA Priority Area:
  Disease and Injury: Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremities
• Performing Organization:
  Temple University
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20000601
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
• End Date:
  20120731
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:96da235bdc14a85e54c0a4ae08e9c8fb537407c74b7bebfac17ed644de8db8d66c6883b20b18714a8bec562c2d1d697eb6674545b44614ba036467dfa8f29d0b
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/190081/cdc_190081_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 162.40 KB ]