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Ulnar Neuropathy Among Active Workers Based Upon Hand Diagram Ratings
Robert A Werner1, Alfred Franzblau2, Bradley Evanoff3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Veterans Administration Health System, 2215 Fuller Rd. (117), Ann Arbor, MI 48105; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Center for Ergonomics, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI(∗).
The prevalence of ulnar neuropathy (UN) among active workers is 3.6%, identified using reliable hand diagrams. Job insecurity and lower satisfaction were linked to suspected UN, not primarily ergonomic factors.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited research exists on workplace ulnar neuropathy (UN) prevalence.
- Hand diagrams show high sensitivity and specificity for UN identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine UN prevalence and risk factors in active workers via hand diagrams.
- Assess the reliability of hand diagram scoring for UN.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 501 workers across 7 industrial/clerical sites.
- Workers completed hand diagrams, Job Content Questionnaire, and underwent ergonomic assessment.
- Hand diagrams were scored independently by two raters to assess interrater reliability.
Main Results:
- High interrater reliability was found for hand diagram scoring.
- Estimated UN prevalence was 3.6% among active workers.
- Suspected UN associated with elbow positioning, job insecurity, and lower job satisfaction; not with contact stress or hand force.
Conclusions:
- Hand diagram assessment for UN demonstrates high interrater reliability.
- Suspected UN prevalence is relatively high in active workers compared to general population estimates.
- Ergonomic factors showed weak association with suspected UN; psychosocial factors were more prominent.
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