Factors prolonging disability in work-related cumulative trauma disorders

Workers' compensation costs for management of soft tissue disorders continue to increase. The complexity of medical management of these cases has increased due to social factors. The purpose of this study is to improve the physician's ability to recognize nonmedical issues that prevent a rapid return to employment. A classification system is presented that will allow the clinician to identify administrative and pyschosocial issues that prolong disability. Additionally, the patients' job demands were classified by known ergonomic risk factors. The system was applied retrospectively to 50 random cases referred to two occupational hand clinics over a 1-year period. The results indicated that the psychosocial classification of the patient and the current employment status are the most important factors in prolonging disability workers.