Case example of wrist trauma in keyboard use

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Video Display Terminal (VDT) operators performing data entry are susceptible to repetitive strain injuries.
• Current ergonomic literature often promotes wrist support to alleviate fatigue and improve posture.
• Potential trauma from keyboard edge contact has been underreported in ergonomic studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present evidence of injury to the pisiform bone and the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve.
• To investigate the link between prolonged keyboard use, wrist resting habits, and observed skin lesions.
• To prompt further evaluation of wrist rest dynamics and support system design in VDT operations.

Main Methods:

• Case study of a video display terminal (VDT) operator with 20 years of data entry experience.
• Observation of the subject's habit of resting the wrist against the keyboard's leading edge.
• Review of existing ergonomic literature concerning wrist support and upper extremity posture.

Main Results:

• The case subject exhibited injury to the pisiform bone and the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve.
• Similar skin lesions have been noted in other keyboard operators with comparable limb support habits.
• The findings contrast with common ergonomic recommendations that advocate for wrist support.

Conclusions:

• Wrist rest use in keyboard operations may lead to unrecognized trauma, including nerve and bone injury.
• There is a need to re-evaluate the safety and efficacy of current wrist support systems.
• Ergonomic designs should control forces acting on the wrist and palm to prevent occupational injuries.