Functional incapacity related to rotator cuff syndrome in workers

Abstract

Functional incapacity related to rotator cuff syndrome (RCS) in salaried workers may vary according to their sociodemographic and medical characteristics. A cross-sectional study carried out in 2007 on a sample of workers from the Loire Valley region who had been diagnosed for RCS between 2002 and 2005. In addition to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and DASH-work questionnaires, subjects were given a self-administered questionnaire relating to sociodemographic data, musculoskeletal symptoms (Nordic) and medical management. The DASH and DASH-work scores were studied according to sociodemographic factors, to the existence of others musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and to the RCS seek care during the preceding 12-months. Among the 3710 workers included between 2002 and 2005, 207 who suffered from RCS responded to the questionnaire in 2007. Seventy-eight percent of them were symptomatic from RCS and 80% were still professionally active. The DASH score was significantly higher in women ( P < 0.01), in patients over the age of 50 ( P < 0.005), in case of another upper limb MSD ( P < 0.0001), and in case of RCS seek care ( P < 0.001). The RCS seek care was the only factor influencing the DASH-work score. This study highlights variation of the degree of functional incapacity of the upper limb in workers according to their sociodemographic characteristics and the RCS medical management. The study design also confirms the questionnaire's feasibility by occupational physicians within large populations of workers and its clinical relevance; including in case of multiple upper limb MSDs.