Evolving concerns relating to occupational disorders of the upper extremity.

Occupational disorders of the upper extremity have become a problem of increasing concern around the world. The management of these problems must be understood in light of current social trends that influence patient management. Workers' compensation is one of these continually developing trends. This article describes the historical aspects of compensation and bodily injury or loss occurring in the work place. Changes in workers' attitudes during the development of workers' compensation have been observed since the turn of the century. The influence of the legal system in this regard is also noteworthy. The modern surgeon is faced with these confounding influences when treating a patient with a work-related injury or cumulative trauma disorder.