Evaluating and treating common upper extremity nerve compression and tendonitis syndromes ... without becoming cumulatively traumatized.

Abstract

Cumulative trauma disorder, repetitive motion injury, and overuse syndrome are all umbrella descriptions of many specific injuries that require careful evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment to restore function, decrease pain, and minimize time spent in a patient role. This article describes anatomic sites of common nerve compressions and tendonitis in the upper extremity (UE). Evaluation techniques are described with emphasis on clinical, environmental, and psychological mitigating factors essential in identifying microtrauma of nerves and tendons to achieve the correct differential diagnosis. Conservative treatment recommendations, including splinting, ergonomics, corticosteroid injection, and hand surgery, are outlined to assist the practitioner in discerning the most appropriate course of action. Surgical intervention and postoperative care and follow-up for median, ulnar, radial, and thoracic outlet nerve compression syndromes are briefly described.