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Chronic occupational repetitive strain injury
B A O'Neil1, M E Forsythe, W D Stanish
1Orthopaedic and Sport Medicine Clinic of Nova Scotia, Halifax.
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|March 3, 2001
Summary
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are common workplace conditions affecting soft tissues. Early diagnosis and conservative treatment by primary care physicians are key, with specialist referral for persistent cases.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are increasingly recognized conditions.
- These injuries result from repeated stress on soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and nerves.
- RSIs are prevalent in individuals with jobs or activities involving repetitive motions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
- To emphasize the diagnosis, treatment, and etiology of workplace RSIs.
- To provide guidance for primary care physicians managing these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE from January 1966 to June 1999, focusing on post-1990 articles.
- Used MeSH headings: "cumulative trauma disorder," "overuse injury," and "repetitive strain injury."
- Limited search to English articles, prioritizing randomized controlled trials.
Main Results:
- RSIs stem from repeated stress on soft tissues, affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves.
- Common examples include rotator cuff tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Diagnosis relies on history and physical exam, aided by imaging (MRI, ultrasound) in complex cases. Conservative treatment (medication, physiotherapy, bracing) is primary; surgery is for refractory cases.
Conclusions:
- Repetitive strain injury is a common occupational health issue.
- Primary care physicians should diagnose RSIs and ascertain their occupational link.
- Family physicians can manage RSIs, referring to specialists when conservative treatments fail.