Ergonomics Glossary - Types of Injuries

For ease of browsing, this glossary is divided into the following five sections:

General Terms
Ergonomic Equipment
Postural & AntatomicalTerms
Risk Factors
Ergonomic Interventions

TYPES OF WORK RELATED INJURIES
Bursitis: Bursae are lubricating pads separating tendons from bones in parts of the body. Bursitis results when a bursae is inflamed. The inflammation may be the result of repetitive or forceful exertions at that joint.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: : A specific work injury occurring as the result of compression on the median nerve that travels through the carpal tunnel in the heel of the hand. Symptoms can include tingling and numbness in the hand, hand and wrist pain and aching, and loss of dexterity and strength in the hand.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs): Term used for injuries that occur over a period of time because of repeated trauma or exposure to a specific body part, such as the back, hand, wrist and forearm. Muscles and joints are stressed, tendons are inflamed, nerves are pinched or the flow of blood is restricted. Common occupational induced disorders in this class include carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), tendinitis, tenosynovitis, synovitis, stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger, DeQuervian's Syndrome, and low back pain.

DeQuervain’s Disease: : Inflammation of tendon sheath on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb which can result in swelling or pain when moving the thumb.

Epicondylitis: : Tendonitis of the elbow (“tennis elbow” or golfer’s elbow).

Ganglion Cyst: : A fluid-filled lump of excess joint fluid that appears under the skin that can occur spontaneously and disappear spontaneously. Repetition and friction may be two causes of cysts. They often occur at specific locations in the wrist or at the base of the fingers.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD): : Injuries and disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal disc; examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tendonitis, and tension neck syndrome. This term is often used synonymously with Cumulative Trauma Disorder, Repetitive Strain Disorder, Repetitive Stress Disorder, Repetitive Motion Injury, Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorders, Work Related Upper Limb Disorder, Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder.

Occupational Illness: : Any abnormal condition or disorder other than one resulting from an occupational injury (see below) caused by exposure to factors associated with employment. It includes acute and chronic illnesses or disease that may be caused by inhalation, absorption, ingestion or direct contact. The broad categories of occupational illnesses are skin diseases and disorders, dust diseases of the lungs, respiratory condition due to toxic agents, poisoning (systemic effects of toxic materials), disorders due to physical agents other than toxic materials, and disorders from repeated trauma.

Occupational Injury: : Any injury such as a cut, fracture, sprain, amputation, etc., which results from a work-related event or from a single instantaneous exposure in the work environment.

Raynaud’s Syndrome: : A rapid progressive color change of the fingers due to circulatory spasm in response to cold or vibration (also known as vibration syndrome or white finger).

RSI - Repetitive Strain Injury: :  Also known as CTD – Cumulative Trauma Disorder; RSI – Repetitive Stress Injury; RMI - Repetitive Motion Injury; UECTD - Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorders ; WRULD - Work Related Upper Limb Disorder.

Segmental Vibration (Hand-Arm Vibration): : Vibration applied to the hand/arms through a tool or piece of equipment. This can cause a reduction in blood flow to the hands/fingers (Raynaud's disease or vibration white finger). Also, it can interfere with sensory receptor feedback leading to increased handgrip force to hold the tool. Further, a strong association has been reported between carpal tunnel syndrome and segmental vibration.

Tendinitis: : Tendons connect muscles to bones. Tendinitis is the result of the inflammation of tendons at a body part.

Tenosynovitis: : Swelling and inflammation of the sheath that surrounds certain tendons. The sheath produces a lubricating fluid for the tendon; tenosynovitis results from a decreased capacity to produce this lubricating fluid.

Trigger Finger: : Tendons in the finger joints can swell due to overuse, “locking” the finger into a fixed position.

Whole Body Vibration: : Exposure of the whole body to vibration (usually through the feet/buttocks when riding in a vehicle). Whole body vibration may increase the risk for injury including low back pain and internal organ disruption.

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD, WRMSD): : Injuries and disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal disc due to physical work activities or workplace conditions in the job. Examples include: carpal tunnel syndrome related to long term computer data entry, rotator cuff tendinitis from repeat overhead reaching, and tension neck syndrome associated with long term cervical spine flexion.

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Hazard: : Workplace conditions or physical work activities that cause or are reasonably likely to cause or contribute to a work related musculoskeletal disorder.

SOURCES USED DURING THIS COMPILATION OF ERGONOMIC TERMS:

http://www.ergoweb.com/resources/faq/glossary.cfm
http://www.workriteergo.com/ergonomics/glossary.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=anti-glare+filter&i=37812,00.asp
http://www.afcindustries.com/monitor-arms.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-ergonomic-keyboard.htm
http://www.humanics-es.com/glossary.htm
http://www.kareproducts.com/osha-ergonomic-terms-kf-32.html

Marji Hajic is an Occupational Therapist and a Certified Hand Therapist practicing at the Hand Therapy & Occupational Fitness Center in Santa Barbara, California. For more information on hand and upper extremity injuries, prevention and recovery, visit