Cumulative trauma disorder: a primary care provider's guide to upper extremity diagnosis and treatment.

This article gives an overview of the nonmedical aspects of cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) such as workers' compensation and hazard evaluation. The pathophysiology and presenting symptoms of CTDs are addressed, including entrapment neuropathies of the median, ulnar, and radial nerves; thoracic outlet syndrome; and tendinitis of the elbow, shoulder, wrist, and thumb. History and specific examination techniques are discussed. There is a focus on primary care treatment options, which includes ergonomic interventions.