Work related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity

Various musculoskeletal syndromes are considered to be work-related. The prevalence of a few of these syndromes is high. Repeated or continuous application of force over a prolonged period to the same muscle group, tendon, bursa or peripheral nerve, can cause cumulative damage. Non-physiological position of the upper limb during work time, can add further injury. The most frequent syndromes are tendonitis and tenosynovitis, nerve entrapment neuropathies and muscle injuries. Frank arthritis is relatively rare. Early diagnosis is usually associated with better prognosis and full recovery within few months.