Hand dominance in upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Epidemiology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSD) represent a significant public health concern.
• Hand dominance is a potential factor influencing the development and prevalence of these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between hand dominance and the prevalence of common UEMSD in a large population-based study.
• To explore potential sex-based differences in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• A representative sample of 6254 Finnish adults aged 30+ were surveyed.
• Prevalence of specific UEMSD including rotator cuff tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and epicondylitis was assessed.
• Data were analyzed to compare prevalence based on hand dominance and sex.

Main Results:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was more prevalent in women (2.5x).
• Rotator cuff tendinitis, bicipital tendinitis, and medial epicondylitis were more common in the dominant arm of women.
• Lateral epicondylitis showed higher prevalence in the dominant elbow for both sexes.
• Dominant hand surgery for CTS was more frequent in women.

Conclusions:

• UEMSD, especially shoulder tendinitis, show higher prevalence in the dominant arm predominantly in women.
• These differences, particularly for shoulder tendinitis, persist into older adulthood.
• Physical load factors likely contribute to long-term effects, potentially impacting women more than men.