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[Postural tenosynovitis caused by misuse of a computer input device (mouse)].
G Franco1, C Castelli, C Gatti
1Dipartimento di Medicina Preventiva, Occupazionale e di Comunità dell'Università di Pavia.
La Medicina Del Lavoro
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Video display unit workers can develop wrist tenosynovitis from prolonged mouse use. Adjusting hand posture and mouse operation can prevent this common computer-related injury.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Background:
- Video display unit (VDU) workstations are prevalent in modern workplaces.
- Postural issues, including back, neck, and shoulder pain, are frequently reported among VDU workers.
- Repetitive strain injuries can arise from prolonged computer use.
Observation:
- A case of tenosynovitis affecting the right wrist was observed in a computer user operating a mouse for 2-3 hours daily.
- The injury occurred at the point where the wrist rested on the work surface.
- The condition resulted from friction and pressure on the wrist joint tendon due to an improper hand and wrist resting posture.
Findings:
- The observed tenosynovitis was linked to a common, yet faulty, resting posture of the hand and wrist.
- This specific wrist posture, inclined towards the ulnar side, is often considered natural.
- The injury responded effectively to rest and a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Implications:
- Ergonomic adjustments are crucial for preventing computer-related musculoskeletal injuries.
- Distributing hand weight between the palm's fatty tissue pads, rather than resting on the ulnar wrist, can mitigate risk.
- Modifying mouse-clicking technique, such as using the third finger, may prevent the adoption of harmful postures.