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This article talks about the four most common upper extremity injuries. They are hand or wrist fractures, hand or wrist sprains, chronic pain, reoccurring acute injuries. I have not had any upper extremity injuries that I can recall, but I'm sure I will some time in my life time. I have had friends to have carpel tunnel and had surgery for it and they still have issues with it, even after the surgery. I seen several severely injured hands in my first semester of clinicals at an outpatient rehab. Not a pretty sight. Hand injuries and other upper extremity injuries happen to all ages and can be the most inconvenient injuries.

A handout from AOTA talking about the role OT plays in UE amputations.

This chapter is concerned with the unique problems presented by the bilateral upper-limb amputee. Although it is generally recognized that the unilateral upper-limb amputee uses a prosthesis as an assist and the sound limb for sensory feedback and fine manipulatory activities, the bilateral amputee does not have such a choice.

A list of hand and UE injuries

Information discussing three major categories of upper-limb prosthetics: cosmetic, body powered and myoelectrically controlled self-powered prostheses.

I was searching for information on tertiary prevention when I came across this website. I got completely sidetracked. This article talks about a study that was done on strength training related to reducing work related injuries. Strength training was actually encouraged on the job. Reminded me of how my husband took an empty space at his work and turned it into a place for his co-workers to work out when they wanted to. They have a couple of punching bags and mats and even have a boxing instructor and Krav Maga instructor that teaches them a couple of times a week. I like that there are studies backing up strength training at work.

This site lists and gives a great diagram of the levels of UE amputation. It also describes the different types of prosthetics and what they are best used for.

I found this website that talks about services provided by this company that specializes in OT for UE amputees. I found it really cool that there are centers that specialize in just this. The only downfall I see is that there is only 5 centers in the whole US.

this webpages gives a general overview of body-powered vs. electric-powered UE prosthesis. Advantages and disadvantages, improvements, and types of terminal devices. There is some interesting information on the different types of hands and gives info re: an experimental hand being engineered by students at Rutgers University that can be controlled through human thought.

This is a Fact sheet from the AOTA on UE therapy and an overview of the frameworks of reference that should be adhered to by the occupational therapist in treatment. It even list areas of intervention involving such injuries that I had never considered.

This is a really great article form AOTA about the Occupational practitioners role in rehabilitation for someone with an UE amputation. It breaks the rehabilitation down into stages: Acute Phase --> Pre-Prosthetic Training Phase --> Basic Prosthetic Training Phase --> Advanced Prosthetic Phase--> Discharge Planning

This is just a brief fact sheet from the AOTA on UE amputations and OTs role in the treatment of clients living with one. There is statistical information regarding amputations, how OT can help, and OTs specific role in the treatment.

Tons of information of UE amputation! Might be a good handout to give to a patient on educating how you are going to help them throughout the road to recovery. It also talks about prosthesis training when you get to that point in therapy.

A major focus of occupational therapy is rehabilitation related to impairments of the upper extremity (i.e., shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand). This is a good article on the role of OT in this type setting.

Chalazion VS Stye: A chalazion is basically a small lump that becomes visible on the upper and lower of the eyelid. A stye is also known as hordeolum

Dr. Gold is a 45-year dentist who sustained injuries to the right hand and cervical spine in a motor vehicle accident. After EMG testing, he was diagnosed with right carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and right cervical (C7) radiculopathy. Dr. Gold can no longer use his dominant right hand with the same skill, dexterity, and strength that he did prior to his accident.

I found some very interesting information about upper extremity amputation. The article tells about the procedure and the role of the occupational therapist in the recovery process. With this procedure, an electrical prosthesis is controlled by the mind via nerve innervation. The nerves from the amputated arm are transferred to the pectoral muscles where they regenerate, which in turn allows movement of the prosthetic arm. I included this link from another website as well because there are videos available to watch. http://www.ric.org/conditions/prosthetics-orthotics/bionic/

Information about UE amputations, including assessment tools, etc.

A Canadian company specializing in UE prosthetics. Also contains a great glossary explaining terms and vocabulary.

Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, nerves and tendons. Work related MSDs (including those of the neck, upper extremities and low back) are one of the leading causes of lost workday injury and illness.

This is a really great website that talks about ergonomics in the workplace. It specifically talks about how to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. One thing unique about this website is that it also address what the employers responsibilities are and what rights the worker has in regards to prevention, and a safe workplace. It gives multiple links to OSHA standards for a workplace, and also a list of some of the top careers that result in musculoskeletal disorders.