Work-Related Cumulative Trauma Disorders of the Upper Extremity

TLDR

Repetitive task–related cumulative trauma disorders account for over half of U.S. occupational illnesses, causing significant pain, functional loss for workers, and driving employers to incur productivity loss and higher medical and disability costs. Successful treatment of work‑related repetitive tissue injuries depends on early diagnosis and appropriate therapy.

Abstract

Cumulative trauma disorders due to performance of repetitive tasks account for more than 50% of all occupational illnesses in the United States today. Employees affected by these disorders frequently experience substantial pain and functional impairment that may require a change in occupation. For the employer, these injuries result in loss of productivity and increased costs in the form of higher medical expenses and disability payments for injured workers. Successful treatment of work-related repetitive tissue injuries depends on early diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Prevention requires identifying sites and tasks that place employees at risk of injury and supporting efforts to develop safer work environments.