Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Disorders Chapter

The chapter on “Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Disorders” was revised in October 2009. The chapter contains the following enhancements: 

• Over 300 recommendations focusing on diagnostic and other testing and treatments for 20 hand, wrist, or forearm disorders including carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist sprains, mallet finger, scaphoid fractures, middle and proximal phalangeal and metacarpal fractures, distal forearm fractures, human and animal bites, hand/finger osteoarthrosis, etc.
• 60 specific recommendations for carpal tunnel syndrome, including imaging and electro-diagnostic procedures, and splinting, injection and surgical release interventions.
• Recommendations for post-operative rehabilitation and rehabilitation of patients with functional deficits.
• Discussion on ergonomic interventions for distal upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders with an occupational basis.
• An appendix which covers treatment options for patients with Dupuytren’s disease.
• An extensive volume of literature relied upon to develop the evidence-based recommendations contained in the chapter—approximately 1,000 references including almost 350 randomized controlled trials or crossover trials. 

The Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Disorders guidelines are available now via ACOEM’s APG-I web application and will be included in the Third Edition which will be published mid 2010.