Cumulative Trauma Disorders: Their Recognition and Ergonomic Measures to avoid them

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD) refers to a large category of disorders of the muscles, tendons, or nerves and are the summary results of microtrauma caused, precipitated, or aggravated by repeated exertion or movements of the body. They go by many names in the literature. They have become a matter of urgent ergonomic concerns for manufacturers, insurance companies, health care provides, and government agencies. Since CTD are usually caused by repeated and/or forceful exertions, often in the hand-arm-shoulder region. They predominantly occur to soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, and to nerves and blood vessels. They are commonly associated with certain occupational and leisure activities. Many CTD can be avoided by a set of fairly simple and straightforward ergonomic procedures. In this presentation, the author will share his views on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment including the ergonomic measures to avoid CTD