Critical Reviews™ in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremity

ABSTRACT

Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders are common among working people in the United States, especially among those that require upper extremity motion as part of their jobs. This article focuses on a discussion of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, physical examination, diagnostic studies, and treatments of common conditions related to occupational exposures, such as rotator cuff tendonitis, bicipital tendonitis, lateral and medial elbow epicondylitis, trigger finger, and DeQuervain tenosynovitis. Recently published studies on these diagnoses are reviewed.