Work-Related Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders (original) (raw)

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.