The impact of handheld devices on the wrist and thumb: a systematic review

Handheld devices play a substantial role in our daily activities. This systematic review aims to identify the potential harmful implications with the use of hand held devices on the wrist and thumb.

We performed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic review of the existing literature. PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library were utilised. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

Fifteen articles were retrieved. Sending an average of 55 or more texts per day is associated with an increased risk of developing pain and tendinopathy. There was no correlation between the number of hours spent using a handheld device and development of carpal tunnel syndrome; however, the impact on thumb function varied.

Several limitations exist in the current literature; however, our review outlines the potential adverse implications that handheld devices may have on the wrist and thumb.