Work : a journal of prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation
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Hand and upper extremity injuries to the professional or serious amateur musician may cause significant disability and time away from one's instrument. This article reviewed 222 instrumentalists; 201 were followed to an end result of their injuries. 80% played strings or keyboard instruments. Sports or a direct fall were the most common causes of injury. ⋯ Only three performers had to stop playing as a result of trauma or it's sequelae. The 46 patients presenting with late sequelae of injury were less likely to achieve full restoration of function and complete return to musical activity than those who suffered acute trauma. Division of nerves or tendons, seen in 13 of 28 patients who sustained lacerations, was more likely to result in very long-term disability and/or incomplete recovery.