A systematic review 1 studied the associations between type of work, physical load and psychosocial aspects at work and the occurrence of specific elbow disorders. Associations between work factors and these elbow disorders were expressed in quantitative measures: odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR).
Handling tools > 1 kg (ORs of 2.1-3.0), handling loads > 20 kg at least 10 times/day (OR 2.6) and repetitive movements > 2 h/day (ORs of 2.8-4.7) were associated with lateral epicondylitis. Psychosocial factors associated with lateral epicondylitis were low job control (OR 2.2) and low social support (OR 1.8). Handling loads > 5 kg (2 times/min at minimum of 2 h/day), handling loads > 20 kg at least 10 times/day, high hand grip forces for > 1 h/day, repetitive movements for > 2 h/day (ORs of 2.2-3.6) and working with vibrating tools > 2 h/day (OR 2.2) were associated with medial epicondylitis. The occurrence of cubital tunnel syndrome was associated with the factor 'holding a tool in position' (OR 3.53). Handling loads > 1 kg (OR 9.0; 95% CI 1.4 to 56.9), static work of the hand during the majority of the cycle time (OR 5.9) and full extension (0-45 degrees ) of the elbow (OR 4.9) were associated with radial tunnel syndrome.
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