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Palmaris brevis spasm: an occupational syndrome
R Liguori1, V Donadio, V Di Stasi
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy. liguori@neuro.unibo.it
Neurology
|May 29, 2003
Summary
Prolonged computer use may cause palmaris brevis (PB) spasm syndrome. Electromyography indicated a distal lesion in PB muscles, unaffected by nerve blocks, suggesting a new repetitive strain injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are increasingly prevalent due to prolonged computer use.
- Palmaris brevis (PB) muscle involvement in RSIs is not well-documented.
- Understanding the etiology of PB spasm syndrome is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a series of patients presenting with palmaris brevis (PB) spasm syndrome.
- To investigate the potential link between prolonged computer use and PB spasm syndrome.
- To characterize the electrophysiological findings in affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Case series of five patients with symptoms suggestive of PB spasm syndrome.
- Clinical examination including assessment of PB muscle function.
- Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate muscle activity and nerve function.
- Pharmacological nerve block (ulnar nerve at the wrist) to differentiate lesion location.
Main Results:
- All five patients reported prolonged use of computer mouse and keyboard.
- EMG revealed spontaneous activity, including irregular single motor unit discharges and myokymia, in the PB muscle.
- These electrophysiological abnormalities persisted even after an ulnar nerve block at the wrist.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged computer use may be an etiological factor in developing palmaris brevis (PB) spasm syndrome.
- The electrophysiological findings suggest a distal lesion within or near the PB muscle.
- This condition represents a potential new manifestation of repetitive strain injury.