Hand and upper limb problems of instrumental musicians.

Instrumental musicians are prone to a variety of occupationally determined upper limb problems that produce significant disability and loss of earnings. As the majority of these affect the musculoskeletal system in one way or another they assume a particular relevance to the practice of rheumatology. Recent advances in our understanding of the aetiology of these conditions are described together their mode of presentation, differential diagnosis, investigation and the therapeutic options available for them.