Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders : Recognition and Management

From The Critics

Reviewer: Linda S. Forst, MD, MS, MPH(University of Illinois at Chicago)
Description: This book introduces the concepts of two types of cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive strain injuries. Type I work related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) are those tendonopathies and neuropathies with clearly defined and reproducible signs and symptoms, demonstrable pathologic changes, and widely accepted treatment strategies. Type 2 WRULDs are defined by their more nebulous nature: pain is disseminated in the upper extremity, objective signs are not present, there is no clear evidence of pathology by standard testing modalities, and treatment strategies are less clear-cut. Historical support, controversies, and a theoretical explanation for Type 2 WRULDs are presented.
Purpose: The purpose of this book is to elucidate neurophysiological and psychophysiological disturbances leading to neuromuscular dysfunction that manifests in Type 2 WRULDs. Many books have been published in recent years on the definable disorders caused by force, repetition, awkward positions, static postures, and power tools. Health practitioners struggle with the diagnosis and management of the less definable conditions, which are in large part responsible for skyrocketing workers' compensation costs. This book presents an historical perspective and a model for understanding the more diffuse conditions.
Audience: This unique book should be read by anyone who treats work-related musculoskeletal disorders, including occupational medicine doctors, orthopedists, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, occupational health nurses, and ergonomists. The author, an orthopedic surgeon in England, has many publications in sports medicine.
Features: In addition to the interesting content and simple writing style, the book contains beautiful historical photographs, anatomical drawings, schematic diagrams, and tables that greatly enhance its educational objectives. The table of contents is adequate, the index extremely useful, and the references extensive and current.
Assessment: This is an excellent book that addresses multiple controversies in the diagnosis and management of cumulative trauma disorders. It is essential reading for physicians, nurses, therapists, and ergonomists who are puzzled by the musculoskeletal entities which appear to be work-related but are not clearly diagnosable. The book is very attractive and engaging in its content.

Linda S. Forst

This book introduces the concepts of two types of cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive strain injuries. Type I work related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) are those tendonopathies and neuropathies with clearly defined and reproducible signs and symptoms, demonstrable pathologic changes, and widely accepted treatment strategies. Type 2 WRULDs are defined by their more nebulous nature: pain is disseminated in the upper extremity, objective signs are not present, there is no clear evidence of pathology by standard testing modalities, and treatment strategies are less clear-cut. Historical support, controversies, and a theoretical explanation for Type 2 WRULDs are presented. The purpose of this book is to elucidate neurophysiological and psychophysiological disturbances leading to neuromuscular dysfunction that manifests in Type 2 WRULDs. Many books have been published in recent years on the definable disorders caused by force, repetition, awkward positions, static postures, and power tools. Health practitioners struggle with the diagnosis and management of the less definable conditions, which are in large part responsible for skyrocketing workers' compensation costs. This book presents an historical perspective and a model for understanding the more diffuse conditions. This unique book should be read by anyone who treats work-related musculoskeletal disorders, including occupational medicine doctors, orthopedists, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, occupational health nurses, and ergonomists. The author, an orthopedic surgeon in England, has many publications in sports medicine. In addition to the interesting content and simple writing style, the book contains beautifulhistorical photographs, anatomical drawings, schematic diagrams, and tables that greatly enhance its educational objectives. The table of contents is adequate, the index extremely useful, and the references extensive and current. This is an excellent book that addresses multiple controversies in the diagnosis and management of cumulative trauma disorders. It is essential reading for physicians, nurses, therapists, and ergonomists who are puzzled by the musculoskeletal entities which appear to be work-related but are not clearly diagnosable. The book is very attractive and engaging in its content.

Stephen Topper

This book provides a framework for understanding and a blueprint for managing those challenging patients with work related upper extremity disorders. This book provides facts on the often ethereal topic of work related pain problems. These disorders are divided into objective and subjective only types. Their diagnoses are explained in detail, and strategies for management are provided. This book provides a refreshing, balanced approach. It is intended for practitioners and students exposed to patients with work-related upper extremity problems. The author's grasp of the subject and succinct presentation substantiate his credibility. The main emphasis is the recognition and categorization of upper extremity pain problems into one of two groups: those that have objective evidence and established treatment protocols, and those that are more vague. There is substantial discussion about the theories regarding the pathophysiology of the vague type. Lacking is a substantial discussion of the opposing point of view. However, balance is attempted with recognition of the often-opposing goals of worker and employer. Traditional medical education leaves the physician unprepared for the contentious, emotionally charged world of work related pain disorders. This book provides a relatively balanced approach to these challenging patients. While emphasizing the basics it yields a new perspective, which will make intervention and comments more useful to all parties involved. It is worth the read.

Booknews

British orthopedist Hutson considers the range of disorders from such perspectives as their history, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, musculoskeletal examination techniques, and management. He distinguishes between discrete conditions with recognized histopathology, and the regional pain syndrome sometimes referred to as repetitive-strain injury and characterized by diffuse symptoms and widespread hyperalgesia in the neck, shoulder, and upper limb. Suitable for non-specialists. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

Illustrated with dozens of b&w photographs and line-drawings, this volume explains the nature of upper limb disorders with particular emphasis on their history, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, musculoskeletal examination techniques, and management. Hutson, an orthopedic physician at The Park Row Clinic, Nottingham, and The Leeds General Infirmary, covers issues of referred pain, ergonomics, localized and diffuse soft tissue disorders, and medicolegal issues involved in this type of practice. This is a paperbound reprint of the 1997 work. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

3 Stars from Doody