[Relationship between occupation and elbow pain, epicondylitis]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition.
• Workplace factors are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to the development of epicondylitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review controlled epidemiological studies investigating the relationship between occupational exposures and epicondylitis.
• To identify specific work-related risk factors associated with the development of elbow pain and epicondylitis.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted to identify controlled epidemiological studies on epicondylitis and work.
• Studies were analyzed to determine associations between various occupational tasks and the incidence of epicondylitis.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests an association between forceful work, and a combination of forceful and repetitive work, and the development of epicondylitis.
• No significant association was found between computer use (visual display units, mouse) or unaccustomed work and epicondylitis.
• Age and duration of employment appeared to be predisposing factors for epicondylitis.

Conclusions:

• Forceful and repetitive occupational tasks are key risk factors for epicondylitis.
• Current evidence does not support a link between computer work or unaccustomed tasks and epicondylitis.
• Further research with quantitative exposure assessment is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology of work-related epicondylitis.