REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) present an increasingly common challe nge to clinicians. They consist of a variety of musculoskeletal disord ers, generally related to tendons, muscles, or joints, as well as some common peripheral-nerve-entrapment and vascular syndromes. These diso rders generally affect the back, neck, and upper limbs, although lower limbs may also be involved. Although RSI may occur as a result of spo rts and recreational activities, occupational RSIs, affecting the pati ent's livelihood, are particularly important. These injuries result fr om repetitive and forceful motions, awkward postures, and other work-r elated conditions and ergonomic hazards. Occupationally induced RSIs a re generally costly, creating a strong incentive for physicians to bec ome familiar with the symptoms, signs, and risk factors so that they c an be diagnosed early and appropriate interventions facilitated.