The epidemiology and prevention of hand and wrist injuries in performing artists

Many performing artists, and especially instrumental musicians, sustain performance-compromising injuries to the wrist and hand. The majority of these are a consequence of overuse as well as of the individual hazards of playing each instrument. An understanding of the specific risk factors of each instrument and of the more general occupational risks of musicians is an invaluable asset in diagnosing, treating, and preventing these career-threatening medical problems.