P Paul F M Kuijer1, Joris van der Pas2, Henk F van der Molen1. 1. Department of Public and Occupational Health, Netherlands Centre for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2. Self-Employed Occupational Physician, 5221 Den Bosch, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This case report describes whether a female civil servant who developed bilateral ulnar neuropathy can be classified as having an occupational disease. METHODS: The Dutch six-step protocol for the assessment and prevention of occupational diseases is used. RESULTS: Based on the six-step protocol, we propose that pressure on the ulnar nerve in the elbow region precipitated the neuropathy for this employee while working prolonged periods in elbow flexion with a laptop. CONCLUSION: Despite the low incidence laptop use might be a risk factor for the occurrence of ulnar neuropathy due to prolonged pressure on the elbow. Employers and workers need to be educated about this disabling occupational injury due to laptop use and about protective work practices such as support for the upper arm and elbow. This seems especially relevant given the trend of more flexible workspaces inside and outside offices, and given the seemingly safe appearance of laptop use.
BACKGROUND: This case report describes whether a female civil servant who developed bilateral ulnar neuropathy can be classified as having an occupational disease. METHODS: The Dutch six-step protocol for the assessment and prevention of occupational diseases is used. RESULTS: Based on the six-step protocol, we propose that pressure on the ulnar nerve in the elbow region precipitated the neuropathy for this employee while working prolonged periods in elbow flexion with a laptop. CONCLUSION: Despite the low incidence laptop use might be a risk factor for the occurrence of ulnar neuropathy due to prolonged pressure on the elbow. Employers and workers need to be educated about this disabling occupational injury due to laptop use and about protective work practices such as support for the upper arm and elbow. This seems especially relevant given the trend of more flexible workspaces inside and outside offices, and given the seemingly safe appearance of laptop use.
Authors: Jennie A Jackson; David Olsson; Laura Punnett; Alex Burdorf; Bengt Järvholm; Jens Wahlström Journal: Scand J Work Environ Health Date: 2018-08-22 Impact factor: 5.024
Authors: D Van Eerd; C Munhall; E Irvin; D Rempel; S Brewer; A J van der Beek; J T Dennerlein; J Tullar; K Skivington; C Pinion; B Amick Journal: Occup Environ Med Date: 2015-11-08 Impact factor: 4.402