Hand difficulties among musicians
F. H. Hochberg, R. D. Leffert, M. D. Heller and L. Merriman
We describe our experience with 100 musicians in whom occupation-related
difficulties developed. The majority, pianists, experienced hand
difficulties in midcareer (average age, 31 years). These were described as
"pain, tightening, or weakness" of the right hand or arm or drooping of the
fourth or fifth fingers. These difficulties led to loss of control (34%) or
diminished facility (18%), endurance (18%), or speed (18%) while playing
trills, arpeggios, or octaves requiring fast, forte finger movements. Most
commonly found were inflammatory disorders of tendon or joint (45%) or
disorders of motor control (24%). Less likely were entrapment of peripheral
nerves and noninflammatory tendon or joint disorders.
