Influence of the long term use of a computer on median, ulnar and radial sensory nerves in the wrist region

Abstract

Objectives: Repetitive microtrauma or overuse injuries may often affect upper extremities of the long term computer users. The aim of this study was to compare sensory nerve conduction velocities (SNCV) for median, radial and ulnar nerves in the wrist of computer users with the same parameters in controls who do not use computers regularly. Material and Methods: Twenty one male computer users (age: mean (M) = 28.3 years ± standard deviation (SD) = 7.5 years) and 21 male control subjects (age: M±SD = 24.1±4.6 years) were recruited for the study. Limb length and the perimeters of the dominant arm and forearm were measured for each subject. The neurophysiological study consisted of measuring sensory nerve conduction of the median, ulnar and radial nerves. Results: The sensory conduction velocities of both median and ulnar nerves were significantly delayed in the dominant arm of the computer users compared to the controls. In addition, sensory conduction velocity of the median nerve was significantly delayed in the dominant extremity of the computer users compared to their non-dominant extremity. Conclusions: This study shows that computer users have a tendency toward developing median and ulnar sensory nerve damage in the wrist region. Mechanism of delayed SNCV in the median and ulnar nerves may be due to sustained extension and ulnar deviation of the wrist during computer mouse use and typing. Reduced SNCV changes were more apparent on the dominant side of the median nerve. This may indicate the increased neural deficits related to an increased use of the dominant side. Further investigation is needed to determine how to reduce potential risk factors at this stage in order to prevent development of median or ulnar neuropathy in the long term computer users.

Effects of electronic device overuse by university students in relation to clinical status and anatomical variations of the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament

“…This observation is consistent with previous studies indicating that excessive use of smartphones may adversely affect the median nerve and increase the probability of occurrence of CTS . Other studies found evidence for wrist abnormalities in computer users, such as restricted wrist range of motion and reduced sensory nerve function . This suggests that intensive users may have a higher risk of developing CTS, and, thus, precautions are required when using electronic devices.…”

“…[7][8][9] Other studies found evidence for wrist abnormalities in computer users, such as restricted wrist range of motion 36 and reduced sensory nerve function. 37 This suggests that intensive users may have a higher risk of developing CTS, and, thus, precautions are required when using electronic devices.…”

Occupational and non-occupational risk factors correlating with the severity of clinical manifestations of carpal tunnel syndrome and related work disability among workers who work with a computer

“…We also found a correlation between the sensory recordings on the ulnar nerve on the ring finger and CTS aggravation, disability, and risk factors, which supports other studies evidencing common moderate involvement of the ulnar nerve in the clinical presentations of CTS ( 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 ) or that computer work is associated with the ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) and the wrist (Guyon's canal syndrome) due to repetitive compression from leaning on the elbows or wrists during work with a mouse or a keyboard ( 139 , 140 , 141 ).…”

INTRAOPERATIVE IMAGE NAVIGATION: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY AND SURGEON PREFERENCE BETWEEN A STERILE ENCASED NINTENDO WIITM REMOTE AND STANDARD WIRELESS COMPUTER MOUSE

“…While the standard computer mouse offers advantages in familiarity, frequent use has been correlated with increased muscular strain and poses a risk of injury for the user. [15][16][17][18] This has been shown to be especially true in the navigation of large datasets of images, as frequently encountered in modern radiology environments. 19,20 This has prompted the study of novel methods to navigate large datasets, especially those encountered in CT imaging.…”

“…In the present study, we compared two options for navigating diagnostic images intraoperatively, a standard wireless three‐button computer mouse and a wireless remote‐control style controller for computer game consoles (Nintendo Wii TM remote, Wiimote, Nintendo Corp., Redmond, WA). While the standard computer mouse offers advantages in familiarity, frequent use has been correlated with increased muscular strain and poses a risk of injury for the user . This has been shown to be especially true in the navigation of large datasets of images, as frequently encountered in modern radiology environments .…”