The role of imaging of work-related upper extremity disorders

Work-related upper extremity disorders can pose a diagnostic and management challenge because the nontraumatic disorders that are often believed to be caused by repetitive work activities can and do occur without any apparent provoking activity and can be caused or associated with many systemic medical conditions. One mainstay in the assessment of hand and arm disorders remains imaging. Imaging capabilities have made incredible advances with the advent of MRI, CT, ultrasound, bone scan, and numerous technologies that enable clinicians to view fine details of anatomy and pathology. This article reviews the potential imaging choices and clinical indications for work-related injuries of the elbow, hand, and wrist.