Predictors of work disability in work-related upper-extremity disorders

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Work-related upper extremity disorders (WRUEDs) are a significant cause of disability.
• Predicting work disability in WRUEDs is crucial for effective management and return-to-work strategies.
• Existing assessment methods may not fully capture the impact of WRUEDs on work capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key predictors of work disability in patients with WRUEDs.
• To compare the predictive value of various clinical measures, including symptoms, physical signs, and patient-reported outcomes.
• To determine the relationship between objective upper-extremity function and self-rated disability.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 106 consecutive patients with WRUEDs was assessed.
• Data collected included symptoms, physical signs, grip strength, passive wrist flexion, and self-rated disability using questionnaires like FIQ and SHAQ.
• Work status was evaluated based on current work hours and weeks of work absence.

Main Results:

• Age, gender, and symptom duration did not predict current work status.
• The strongest predictors of current work hours were FIQ and SHAQ scores, followed by work absence, passive wrist flexion, neck pain, and grip strength.
• FIQ and SHAQ scores demonstrated significant correlation with objective upper-extremity function measures.

Conclusions:

• Self-rated disability measures, specifically FIQ and SHAQ, are valid and strong predictors of work disability in WRUEDs.
• These patient-reported outcomes are more closely linked to actual work hours than to time off work, symptoms, or physical signs.
• The findings support the use of FIQ and SHAQ in assessing work capacity and guiding interventions for WRUEDs.