Quality of lifeA Framework for the Classification and Diagnosis of Work-Related Upper Extremity Conditions: Systematic Review
Section snippets
Methods
An extensive literature search was undertaken to identify suitable publications citing nationally and internationally recognized terminology, conditions, and definitions, inclusive of UE diagnostic criteria. This involved an initial search of the literature from a variety of sources including textbooks and conference proceedings; national and international health and safety organization websites; general internet search; and key review papers. From this initial literature search an extensive
International Nomenclature
Internationally used terms and definitions currently in use throughout 15 countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom, USA) were identified. Considerable variation existed both within and among countries, with some 14 separate terms emerging. These included the following: Activity Related Soft Tissue Disorders; Complaints of the Arm, Neck and/or Shoulder (CANS); CTD; MSD; Occupational
Discussion
There appears to be much international debate and lack of consensus as to the most appropriate nomenclature to describe the range of work-related UE conditions. Terms currently in use to describe these conditions are held as being deficient in that they fail to encapsulate an appropriate meaning consistent with all conditions. For example, terms may often presuppose etiology by defining single risk factors as the proposed disease mechanism (eg, “RSI” presupposes repetition as a causative
Acknowledgments
The support of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) of NZ is greatly appreciated. Acknowledgment also goes to AUT's Information and Education Services, in particular, Andrew South, who provided considerable assistance throughout this work. Sincere thanks are extended to those representatives from international organizations that provided information about the current status of work-related UE conditions in their respective countries.
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