Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine - Volume 66, Number 3, Page 192

Volume 66 Number 3
May 1999 back to contents

Primary Repetitive Strain Injury (Cumulative Trauma Disorder):
Causes and Treatment 192 - 195

Nahid Nainzadeh, M.D., Ann Malantic-Lin, M.D., M.P.H., Maxcita Alvarez, B.S. (O.T.), and Arlette C. Loeser, M.A. (O.T.)

From the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, New York, NY.
Address correspondence to Nahid Nainzadeh, M.D., Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Box 1240B, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, New York, NY 10029 or address e-mail to: msjourn@doc.mssm.edu

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The computerization of the workforce in the last two decades has led to increases in the incidence of repetitive strain injury (RSI). U.S. Workers' Compensation claims made by persons disabled in the upper extremities in 1989 were estimated to be $563 million.

METHOD: Through an investigation of factors that increase the likelihood of contracting an RSI in various industries, the authors suggest a relation between workplace conditions, lack of education about causes of RSI and improper use of equipment among contemporary workers.

RESULTS: A medical term which analyzes the unique history and mechanism of the injury and offers a unique regimen of exercise, education, modalities and some pain management has proven to be the most effective treatment for RSI. Damage to muscle and tendon due to RSI generally cannot be surgically repaired. However, specific nerve-related disorders can be treated with surgery if other more conservative treatments prove ineffective.

CONCLUSION: Through foresight and education, industries in which specific factors render workers more likely to contract RSI can begin to take steps to minimize worker susceptibility to the disorder. Those industries will face large losses due to Workers' Compensation claims, disability pay, lawsuits and ultimately lower productivity.

KEY WORDS
Repetitive strain injury, cumulative trauma disorder

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Primary Repetitive Strain Injury (Cumulative Trauma Disorder): Causes and Treatment	192 - 195
Nahid Nainzadeh, M.D., Ann Malantic-Lin, M.D., M.P.H., Maxcita Alvarez, B.S. (O.T.), and Arlette C. Loeser, M.A. (O.T.)
From the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, New York, NY. Address correspondence to Nahid Nainzadeh, M.D., Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Box 1240B, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, New York, NY 10029 or address e-mail to: msjourn@doc.mssm.edu