Injuries Complicating Musical Practice and Performance: The Hand Surgeon's Approach to the Musician-Patient

Abstract

High-performance musculoskeletal injuries in the instrumental musician stem from repetitive motions, awkward postures, and long practice hours. Although their precise prevalence in this population is unclear, many have attempted to quantify this number and delineate the specific problems. 1 Rozmaryn L.M. Upper extremity disorders in performing artists. Md Med J. 1993; 42: 255-260 PubMed Google Scholar , 2 Knishkowy B. Lederman R.J. Instrumental musicians with upper extremity disorders: a follow-up study. Med Probl Perform Art. 1986; 1: 85-89 Google Scholar •Discuss the important factors to obtain during the initial history of a musician with upper extremity pain. •State the difference between the technique of Mozart versus Brahms or Liszt. •List the variables that can create a mismatch between the musician and instrument. •Discuss the role of joint hypermobility leading to pain, fatigue, spasm, and synovitis. •State the risk factors for overuse syndrome in the musician. •Summarize treatment of overuse syndrome in the musician. Earn up to 2 hours of CME credit per JHS issue when you read the related articles and take the online test. To pay the $20 fee and take this month’s test, visit http://www.jhandsurg.org/CME/home. •Discuss the important factors to obtain during the initial history of a musician with upper extremity pain. •State the difference between the technique of Mozart versus Brahms or Liszt. •List the variables that can create a mismatch between the musician and instrument. •Discuss the role of joint hypermobility leading to pain, fatigue, spasm, and synovitis. •State the risk factors for overuse syndrome in the musician. •Summarize treatment of overuse syndrome in the musician. Earn up to 2 hours of CME credit per JHS issue when you read the related articles and take the online test. To pay the $20 fee and take this month’s test, visit http://www.jhandsurg.org/CME/home. Journal CME QuestionsJournal of Hand SurgeryVol. 37Issue 6Preview Full-Text PDF