A Framework for the Classification and Diagnosis of Work-Related Upper Extremity Conditions: Systematic Review (original) (raw)
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American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2000
Work-associated musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity are common and disabling. Research on these disorders is needed and requires valid methods of classi®cation of the disorders for epidemiologic studies and measurement of their impact on functional status. This commentary discusses the methodologic aspects of classi®cation and functional status assessment in upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
Epidemiologic surveillance of upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders in the working population
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2006
Objective. Since 2002, an epidemiologic surveillance system of work-related, upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has been implemented in France's Pays de la Loire region to assess the prevalence of MSDs and their risk factors in the working population. Methods. The surveillance was based on a network of occupational physicians (OPs) and used the recommendations of a group of European experts (criteria document consensus). In 2002-2003, 80 of 400 OPs volunteered to participate. All underwent a training program to standardize the physical examination. Health status was assessed by self-administered questionnaire and physical examination. Occupational risk factors were assessed by self-administered questionnaire. Exposure scores were computed for each anatomic zone by summing the risk factors taken into account by the criteria document. Results. More than 50% of the 2,685 men and women randomly included in 2002-2003 experienced nonspecific musculoskeletal symptoms during the preceeding 12 months and ϳ30% experienced them in the preceeding week. The prevalence of clinically diagnosed MSDs was high: ϳ13% of workers experienced at least 1 of the MSDs. The most frequent disorder was rotator cuff syndrome followed by carpal tunnel syndrome and lateral epicondylitis. The prevalence of MSDs increased with age and varied widely across economic sectors and occupations. More than half of the workers were exposed to at least 2 risk factors of MSDs. Exposure varied according to industrial activity and occupation. According to the criteria document, a high percentage of MSD cases could be classified as probably work related (95% in men and 89% in women age <50, and 87% in men and 69% in women age >50).
Work-related upper extremity disorders: one-year follow-up in an occupational diseases registry
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2011
Purpose To study the course and consequences of workrelated upper extremity disorders in the registry of the Netherlands Centre for Occupational Diseases (NCvB). Methods A follow-up study was performed in a sample of consecutive cases of work-related upper extremity disorders notified to the NCvB. Perceived severity was measured with VAS (0-100), quality of life with VAS (0-100) and SF-36, functional impairment with DASH and sickness absence with a questionnaire. Measurements took place directly after notification (T0) and after 3, 6 and 12 months (T1-T3). A linear mixed model was used to compare scores over time.
Upper extremity disorders: A literature review to determine work-relatedness
The Journal of Hand Surgery, 1995
Administration (OSHA) assessed a $3.44 million dollar fine against a meat packing plant for egregious violation of the general duty clause secondary to a high prevalence of cumulative trauma disorder(s) (CTD). Currently, OSHA is creating ergonomic standards to address work-related musculoskeletal disorders. These standards would require all employers to make efforts at reducing work place exposures that are implied to cause CTD. Inaccurate identification of causal relationships may misdirect medical care and lead to inappropriate use of funds and unnecessary government interventions. Literature Review An extensive amount of literature has been written about various aspects of chronic upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, often referred to as CTD. 3-6 The written works regarding use-related complaints in the upper extremities date back centuries. 7 Etiology, related factors, risk factors, causal relationships, abatement programs, treatment plans, and medical interventions are just some of the topics addressed in this literature)-78
The Journal of Hand Surgery, 1987
Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities: The use of epidemiologic approaches in industrial settings This article illustrates the use of a simple questionnaire in identifying those sections of a work force at risk for musculoskeletal disorders and chronic discomfort of the upper extremities. Two research studies are described. The first, conducted in a chicken-processing factory, illustrates the use of self-administered questionnaires in the assessment of the musculoskeletal health of the work force and in the identification of groups of workers who may be at increased risk and for whom ergonomic reappraisal of the tasks performed may be beneficial. A second study of retail trade staff suggests that chronic musculoskeletal discomfort is widespread. The article further considers the importance of such data for those persons concerned with the allocation of health care. The need to consider the broader spectrum of musculoskeletal health from discomfort to clinical disorder is stressed. (J HAND SURG 1987;12A[2 Pt 2]:885-9.
Work-Related Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders
Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 2000
Upper limb musculoskeletal disorders, such as rotator cuff tendonitis, epicondylitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, are common ailments among working people in the United States. The affected tissues include muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. These disorders occur with increased frequency among employees in a number of occupations, particularly those requiring intensive use of the hands and arms as well as regular exposure to vibration. This article provides the reader with an overview of the clinical features, occupational and nonoccupational causes, primary conservative treatment, and methods of preventing common work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
Risk factors for upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders in the working population
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2009
Objective The study aimed to assess the relative importance of personal and occupational risk factors for upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) in the working population. Methods A total of 3,710 workers (58 of men) participating in a surveillance program of MSDs in a French region in 2002 2005 were %-= 1.4, P 0.042). = Conclusion The study showed that personal and work-related physical and psychosocial factors were strongly associated with clinically-diagnosed UEMSDs.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021
The objective of this paper is to assess the combined effect of occupational biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors on the incidence of work-related upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) and estimate the proportion and number of incident cases attributable to these risk factors in a working population. Using data from the French COSALI (COhorte des SAlariés LIgériens) cohort (enrolment phase: 2002–2005; follow-up phase: 2007–2010), a complete case analysis including 1246 workers (59% men, mean age: 38 years ± 8.6 at baseline) was performed. All participants underwent a standardized clinical examination at enrolment and 1611 workers were re-examined at follow-up. Population attributable fractions and the number of UEMSD cases attributable to occupational risk factors were calculated. During follow-up, 139 UEMSD cases were diagnosed, representing an estimated 129,320 projected incident UEMSD cases in the working population. After adjusting for personal factors, in mo...