ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes findings from epidemiologic studies that address workplace and individual factors associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. These disorders are not new: epidemics and clinical case series of work-related upper extremity problems were reported throughout the 1800s and early 1900s (Conn, 1931; Thompson et al., 1951). Although there are almost no prospective studies in this area, within the last 20 years a number of well-designed, cross-sectional studies have focused on disorders of the hand, wrist, and elbow as related to work. These studies point to the multifactorial nature of work-related upper extremity disorders. The severity of these disorders is influenced not only by biomechanical factors, but also by other work organizational factors, the worker’s perception of the work environment, and medical management.
