Predictors of return to work with upper limb disorders.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Return to work (RTW) is crucial for managing upper limb disorders (ULDs).
• Numerous factors and complex interactions complicate identifying individuals at risk of not returning to work (NRTW).
• Effective interventions for ULDs require pinpointing predictors of NRTW.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate clinical, functional, and occupational parameters influencing RTW in ULD patients.
• To identify significant predictors for successful RTW among ULD sufferers.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 52 workers with ULDs referred to an occupational health clinic.
• Functional assessment included objective measures and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.
• Work requirements were quantified using Dictionary of Occupational Titles definitions; RTW status was confirmed via telephone.

Main Results:

• The overall RTW rate was 42%.
• The mean DASH score was significantly lower in the RTW group (27) compared to the NRTW group (56) (P < 0.001).
• Multivariate analysis identified only the DASH score as a significant independent predictor of RTW (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• A high DASH score serves as a critical warning sign for physicians and rehabilitation staff assessing RTW potential in ULD cases.
• Focusing on individuals with a significant discrepancy between high DASH scores and low objective disability may optimize intervention efforts.
• The DASH score is a key functional parameter for predicting return to work in upper limb disorders.