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Nerve injury in repetitive motion disorders
1Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|July 1, 1998
Summary
Repetitive motion disorders often involve nerve compression, leading from swelling to nerve damage based on force duration. Evaluating all potential upper extremity entrapment sites is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Nerve compression is increasingly recognized in repetitive motion disorders.
- Pathophysiology ranges from subperineurial edema to axonal degeneration.
- Changes correlate with the amount and duration of compressive forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the spectrum of nerve compression pathophysiology.
- To emphasize the role of posture in increasing nerve pressure.
- To advocate for comprehensive evaluation of entrapment sites.
Main Methods:
- Review of pathophysiology of chronic nerve compression.
- Analysis of factors influencing nerve pressure in the upper extremity.
- Clinical examination protocols for identifying entrapment.
Main Results:
- Nerve compression severity depends on force magnitude and duration.
- Specific upper extremity postures exacerbate nerve compression.
- Multiple compression sites can coexist.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the pathophysiology is key to managing nerve compression.
- Positional analysis is vital for identifying exacerbating factors.
- A thorough, multi-level examination is essential for accurate diagnosis.