Comparison of chronic occupational upper extremity versus lumbar disorders for differential disability-related outcomes and predictor variables.

Abstract

To systematically evaluate if an interdisciplinary functional restoration program (FRP), shown to be a viable treatment option for patients with chronic disabling occupational lumbar disorders, is as effective in treating chronic disabling occupational upper extremity disorders. Participants were 2484 consecutive patients with either arm or lumbar disorders admitted to an FRP. Analyses compared demographic, psychosocial, and work-related factors, and 1-year post-rehabilitation socioeconomic outcomes. Socioeconomic outcomes showed that work-return and work-retention rates after successful completion of the FRP did not differ between the two groups, or among the upper extremity subgroups. FRP is equally effective for patients with chronic upper extremity or lumbar spine disorders, regardless of the injury type, site in the upper extremity, or the disparity in injury-specific and psychosocial factors identified before treatment.