WORK-RELATED ULNAR NERVE ENTRAPMENT AT ELBOW: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS AND REPETITIVE MOTION

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims the identification of the predictive factors responsible for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (UNEE) because of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) in repetitive work.

 Study design: A longitudinal study

 Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Maroof Health care Pvt Limited Islamabad from March 2021 to March 2022

 Methodology: A total of 330 participants were included in the present study. All the participants were examined by a physician and they were asked to complete a questionnaire. Predictive factors related to ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow were assessed by multivariate and bivariate analysis. The selection of the subjects was done according to their occupation which included workers in the clothing industry, shoe industry, packaging departments, food industry, and cashiers in the supermarket.

 Results: An annual incidence of 0.8% was estimated. The only biomechanical factor responsible for UNEE was holding a tool in a certain position for a long duration, whereas, obesity was recognized to increase the risk of UNEE along with the presence of carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS), cervicobrachial neuralgia, epicondylitis, and radial tunnel syndrome. The left side of 6 participants was affected, the right side of 4 participants was affected and the remaining 2 had a bilateral issue.

 Conclusion: Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow is associated with the biomechanical factor which is holding a tool in position, obesity, and upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders, especially epicondylitis on the medial side.