Epidemiology of work-related upper extremity disorders: understanding prevalence and outcomes to impact provider...

In 2001, the number of repeated trauma cases accounted for 4% of total workplace injuries and 65% of all occupational illnesses, with work-related upper extremity disorders accounting for most cases. Because chronic disability leads to the highest cost, systematic evaluation of this growing occupational condition is needed. This article sheds light on work-related upper extremity disorders by understanding the prevalence and pattern for these diagnoses, their impact on outcomes influenced by age, gender and geography on metrics such as utilization, duration, disability status, and costs. To assess these types of outcomes measurements, a good reporting and management system must be in place to allow for ongoing evaluation and analysis of data and in the construction of intervention programs to improve provider performances and, ultimately, patient outcomes.