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Occupational Medicine113 papers

Juvenile osteochondrosis of upper extremity

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Juvenile osteochondrosis of the upper extremity involves abnormal cartilage and bone development, leading to pain, functional impairment, and potential long-term disability in young individuals engaged in repetitive or strenuous upper limb activities. 13

Diagnosis

  • Clinical history and physical examination focusing on pain, range of motion limitations, and functional deficits.
  • Imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) to assess bone and soft tissue abnormalities 12.
  • Exclusion of other musculoskeletal conditions through differential diagnosis based on symptoms and imaging findings 13.
  • Management

  • Conservative management including rest, activity modification, and physical therapy to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength 14.
  • Pain management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for symptomatic relief 14.
  • Psychological support to address maladaptive beliefs and promote recovery 14.
  • In refractory cases, consider corticosteroid injections or surgical intervention for severe structural issues 13.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Early intervention with conservative measures is crucial to prevent long-term disability; psychological support is particularly important 14.
  • Comorbidities: Address concurrent psychological factors such as depression and anxiety, which can impede recovery 7.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of juvenile osteochondrosis (Evidence: Moderate 12).
  • Implement conservative treatments including physical therapy and NSAIDs for pain management (Evidence: Moderate 14).
  • Integrate psychological support to address psychosocial barriers to recovery (Evidence: Moderate 147).
  • Consider surgical intervention for severe structural abnormalities when conservative measures fail (Evidence: Expert opinion 13).
  • References

    1 Frasie A, Bertrand-Charette M, Compagnat M, Bouyer LJ, Roy JS. Validation of the Borg CR10 Scale for the evaluation of shoulder perceived fatigue during work-related tasks. Applied ergonomics 2024. link 2 Fuchs S. Tourniquets in Major Extremity Trauma. Pediatric emergency care 2020. link 3 Moon DK, Park YJ, Song SY, Kim MJ, Park JS, Nam DC et al.. Common Upper Extremity Disorders and Function Affect Upper Extremity-Related Quality of Life: A Community-Based Sample from Rural Areas. Yonsei medical journal 2018. link 4 Peters SE, Truong AP, Johnston V. Stakeholders identify similar barriers but different strategies to facilitate return-to-work: A vignette of a worker with an upper extremity condition. Work (Reading, Mass.) 2018. link 5 Bosch LM, van der Molen HF, Frings-Dresen MHW. Optimizing implementation of interventions in agriculture for occupational upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders: Results of an expert panel. Work (Reading, Mass.) 2018. link 6 Palm P, Josephson M, Mathiassen SE, Kjellberg K. Reliability and criterion validity of an observation protocol for working technique assessments in cash register work. Ergonomics 2016. link 7 Degen RM, MacDermid JC, Grewal R, Drosdowech DS, Faber KJ, Athwal GS. Prevalence of Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Workers With Upper Extremity Complaints. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy 2016. link 8 Drolet BC, Lifchez SD, Jacoby SM, Varone A, Regan LA, Baren JM et al.. Perceptions of Emergency Medicine Residency and Hand Surgery Fellowship Program Directors in the Appropriate Disposition of Upper Extremity Emergencies. The Journal of hand surgery 2015. link 9 Hoozemans MJ, Knelange EB, Frings-Dresen MH, Veeger HE, Kuijer PP. Are pushing and pulling work-related risk factors for upper extremity symptoms? A systematic review of observational studies. Occupational and environmental medicine 2014. link 10 Roy JS, MacDermid JC, Tang K, Beaton DE. Construct and predictive validity of the chronic pain grade in workers with chronic work-related upper-extremity disorders. The Clinical journal of pain 2013. link 11 Stone MB, Wang R, Price DD. Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus nerve block vs procedural sedation for the treatment of upper extremity emergencies. The American journal of emergency medicine 2008. link 12 Hassett RG. The role of imaging of work-related upper extremity disorders. Clinics in occupational and environmental medicine 2006. link 13 Szabo RM. Determining causation of work-related upper extremity disorders. Clinics in occupational and environmental medicine 2006. link 14 Derebery J, Tullis WH. Prevention of delayed recovery and disability of work-related upper extremity disorders. Clinics in occupational and environmental medicine 2006. link 15 Giang GM. Epidemiology of work-related upper extremity disorders: understanding prevalence and outcomes to impact provider performances using a practice management reporting tool. Clinics in occupational and environmental medicine 2006. link 16 Pashley J. Grip strengthening with adapted computer switches. The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association 1989. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Validation of the Borg CR10 Scale for the evaluation of shoulder perceived fatigue during work-related tasks.Frasie A, Bertrand-Charette M, Compagnat M, Bouyer LJ, Roy JS Applied ergonomics (2024)
    2. [2]
      Tourniquets in Major Extremity Trauma.Fuchs S Pediatric emergency care (2020)
    3. [3]
      Common Upper Extremity Disorders and Function Affect Upper Extremity-Related Quality of Life: A Community-Based Sample from Rural Areas.Moon DK, Park YJ, Song SY, Kim MJ, Park JS, Nam DC et al. Yonsei medical journal (2018)
    4. [4]
    5. [5]
    6. [6]
    7. [7]
      Prevalence of Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Workers With Upper Extremity Complaints.Degen RM, MacDermid JC, Grewal R, Drosdowech DS, Faber KJ, Athwal GS The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy (2016)
    8. [8]
      Perceptions of Emergency Medicine Residency and Hand Surgery Fellowship Program Directors in the Appropriate Disposition of Upper Extremity Emergencies.Drolet BC, Lifchez SD, Jacoby SM, Varone A, Regan LA, Baren JM et al. The Journal of hand surgery (2015)
    9. [9]
      Are pushing and pulling work-related risk factors for upper extremity symptoms? A systematic review of observational studies.Hoozemans MJ, Knelange EB, Frings-Dresen MH, Veeger HE, Kuijer PP Occupational and environmental medicine (2014)
    10. [10]
    11. [11]
    12. [12]
      The role of imaging of work-related upper extremity disorders.Hassett RG Clinics in occupational and environmental medicine (2006)
    13. [13]
      Determining causation of work-related upper extremity disorders.Szabo RM Clinics in occupational and environmental medicine (2006)
    14. [14]
      Prevention of delayed recovery and disability of work-related upper extremity disorders.Derebery J, Tullis WH Clinics in occupational and environmental medicine (2006)
    15. [15]
    16. [16]
      Grip strengthening with adapted computer switches.Pashley J The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (1989)

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