common workplace injuries

Below are some work-related injuries that we have seen in our practice. The list does not include every injury, just the most common. If you have any questions, or you have been injured at work, contact Franks & Rechenberg, P.C. to speak to an Illinois work injury attorney. We look forward to hearing from you.

1. Bicep Tendon Rupture

A bicep tendon rupture occurs when the tendons attaching the bicep muscle are torn. This type of injury is commonly caused by a single traumatic event. Most bicep tendon ruptures occur in men between 40 and 60 years of old and are usually incurred lifting a heavy object while the elbow is bent at a 90 degree angle. Statistically, a person’s dominant arm is the one most likely to be injured in a bicep tendon rupture.

The bicep muscle is connected to the shoulder at one end and the elbow at the other. The vast majority of bicep tendon tears occur where the bicep muscle attaches to the shoulder (over 90% of the time). In the rare occasion when the ruptured bicep tendon occurs near the elbow, usually results in a complete loss of use of the bicep muscle.

The surgery required to fix the bicep tendon rupture is called a tenodesis. This is where the surgeon reattaches the torn section of the tendon to the bone. Generally, outcomes after the surgery are best when the surgery is performed within four (4) weeks of the bicep tendon rupture.

2. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is where there is pressure placed on the ulnar nerve usually at the outside of the elbow. The ulnar nerve runs from the spinal cord through the arm around the elbow and into the fingers. The ulnar nerve passes over the outside edge of the elbow as it heads toward the fingers. If a person hit the outside of his elbow, (this area is commonly known as the funny bone), it irritates the ulnar nerve and gives a brief tingling feeling. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is stretched, causing pressure on the nerve, usually when a person bends his arm and the ulnar nerve is stretched against a boney bump on the outside of the elbow.

If conservative treatment options fail to correct the problem, then surgery is required to fix this condition, and there are generally two types of surgeries:

1. An ulnar nerve transposition. In that procedure, the surgeon surgically moves the nerve away from the outside of the elbow so when the elbow is bent, it is not stretched over the boney area of the elbow.

2. The other type of surgery is called a medial epicondylectomy. In that procedure, the surgeon will remove part of the boney material on the outside of the elbow which causes the nerve to stretch when a person bends their elbow.

3. CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a compression of the median nerve at the wrist and the carpal tunnel. The median nerve and the tendons that bend the fingers pass through the carpal tunnel which is formed by wrist bones on three sides with a thick ligament as the roof. When pressure increases in the carpal tunnel, the nerves are compressed. The pressure on the nerve can produce tingling, numbness, weakness and pain. Treatment options for carpal tunnel are splinting, injections, medications and finally surgery.

4. de QUERVAIN’S DISEASE

de Quervain’s tendinitis is an irritation of the tendons that extend the thumb.  Symptoms of de Quervain's may include pain and swelling at the “thump side of the wrist”.  Symptoms may occur with movement of the thumb or wrist to strengthen of the tendons. Treatment options for de Quervain's usually include medications anti-inflammatory medications, injection, local anesthetic coupled with steroid medication, the final solution is surgery.

5. TRIGGER FINGER (Stenosising tenosynovits)

Trigger finger can occur in any finger or the thumb. The tendons that bend to the fingers pass through a tube and normally tendons glide smoothly through the tube. In a trigger finger situation, the entrance to the tube is constricted or the tendon itself becomes enlarged interfering with sliding through the tube. Common symptoms of trigger finger include tenderness in the palm and painful snapping or locking when the finger is flexed. The treatment options for trigger finger are usually injections and/or surgery.

6. Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia occurs when the small intestine pushes through the lower abdominal muscles in the groin. An inguinal hernia usually looks like a bulge on the one or both sides of the groin.

The inguinal hernia occurs when the small intestine slides through the weak muscles of the abdomen and commonly develops over time because of the continuous stress of the abdominal muscles. A hernia is usually caused by sudden twists or pulls or muscle strains or lifting heavy objects. Surgery is normally required to fix an inguinal hernia. There are two (2) types of surgeries done for an inguinal hernia:

1. An open hernia repair. This is where the surgeon cuts open the abdomen and pushes the small intestine back inside the abdominal cavity and places surgical mesh inside the abdominal wall to prevent reoccurrence. This surgery is called hernioplasty.

2. The second type of surgery is called laparoscopy. This type of surgery is similar to an arthroscopic procedure where the surgeon makes a small incision and inserts the surgical instruments to perform the surgical repair and to insert the mesh.
 

7. LATERAL EPICHONDYLITIS (Tennis elbow)

Lateral Epichondylitis refers to pain on the outside of the elbow where your bone protrudes. This injury is usually caused by degeneration or deterioration of the wrist extensor tendons which attach to the bone. These injuries usually arrive from strenuous repetitive use of the tendons but also may be caused by blunt trauma to the elbow. The treatment options for Lateral Epichondylitis usually are anti inflammatory medications and injection therapy, held with a brace and recommendation for decreased use. Surgery is the final solution for Lateral Epichondylitis.

8. SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

Shoulder impingement syndrome refers to the problem in which the rotator cuff tendons and subacromill bursa become compressed beneath the shoulder blade bone. This will usually lead to degeneration and tearing of the rotator cuff causing pain and inflamation. A full thickness rotator cuff tear can produce weakness and severe pain in the shoulder. Shoulder impingement syndrome condition is caused or aggravated by overhead, heavy lifting and also by repetitive trauma or a sudden acute trauma. The initial treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome usually includes anti-inflammatory medication and a course of physical therapy. Next is an injection of local aesthetic with a steroid medication are usually prescribed along with activity modification and work restrictions. If the symptoms persist, an MRI or Arthrogram, (both diagnostic tests) may be performed to determine if there is a tear in the rotator cuff. If a rotator cuff tear is discovered, surgery is usually the best treatment option. Some surgeons may also perform an acromioplasty at the same time they perform the rotator cuff tear surgery. An acromioplasty involves removing the front edge of the arcominon and removal of any bone spurs that may be present. This surgical procedure can be done arthoscopically or as a regular open surgical procedure depending on the nature and extent of the tear.

9. TORN LABRUM (The shoulder)

An unstable joint or dislocated shoulder can result in a torn labrum. This may be seen as an acute injury or a repetitive movement work injury. A torn labrum is usually characterized by a painful catch or pop to it. The Labrum is located under the shoulder near the humerous bone. The general treatment for a torn labrum is orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic surgery is usually effective in removing the torn labrum, if the surgeon is unable to remove the torn labrum, or must reattach the same, then an open procedure may be required to reattach the tissue and stabilize the joint.

10. TORN MENISCUS OF THE KNEE

Lateral and Medial Meniscus of the knee are two crescent moon shaped discs of fibercartilige that lie between the ends of the upper leg bone and the lower leg bone that form the knee joint. A meniscus tear, either medial or lateral commonly occur when the knee is twisted and the foot is planted firmly on the floor. The treatment options for meniscus tears generally start with anti inflammatory medication, followed by physical therapy, then injection therapy and finally surgery. If the tears in the meniscus are small, they are usually repaired arthroscopically. If the meniscus tear or tears are large, then the orthopedic surgeon will perform an open surgical procedure where the torn edges of the meniscus are stitched together to preserve their form and function.

11. ACL INJURY (ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT)

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament is inside the knee joint and forms an “x” towards the front of the knee. The Cruciate ligaments connect the thigh bone to the shine bone (tibia) and are made up of many strands that function like short ropes that hold the knee joint tightly in place when the leg is bent of straight. Stability is necessary for proper knee joint movement. Common work injuries to the ACL result from changing directions rapidly, slowing down when running, landing from a jump, or a direct contact if something falls on a workers leg or knee. A partial tear of the ACL may not require surgical treatment, however, a complete tear usually requires a complete ACL reconstruction. Treatment options for a ACL joint usually begin with conservative treatment such as anti inflammatory medication, then physical therapy followed by work hardening or muscle strengthening to provide stability to the knee. If surgery is required to repair a partial ACL tear, most surgeons will try to make that repair arthroscopicaly , if a complete ACL reconstruction is necessary, then the only way to perform that surgery is through an open procedure.

12. MCL INJURY (MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT) & LCL INJURY (LATERAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT)

The Medial Collateral Ligament connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and provides stability to the inner side of the knee. The Lateral Collateral ligament (LCL) connects the femur bone to fibia on the outside portion of the knee. Injuries to the Medial Collateral Ligament or the Lateral Collateral Ligament are usually caused by contact to the outside or inside of the knee and are usually accompanied by immediate sharp pain. The treatment options for the MCL or LCL injury when there is a minor tear usually is conservative treatment through rest, ice compression, elevation, then physical therapy, work hardening and/or possibly a brace. A large full thickness tear will require surgical intervention, the orthopaedic surgeon generally will opt for an arthroscopic procedure if at all possible.

13. PATELLA FEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME (Jumpers knee)

Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome, often referred to as Jumpers Knee, is a condition or injury usually causes pain in the front of the knee.  Jumpers knee is usually caused by changes in the cartilage under the kneecap such as wearing down, roughening or softening the cartilage.  It may be caused by blunt trauma or through repetitive use or trauma.  This sometimes can lead to a patella tear, which will then need to be repaired arthroscopically if possible (a small enough tear) or through an open surgical procedure.

14. TYPICAL WORK RELATED BACK INJURIES

1. TORN ANNULUS - The Annulus is the disc tough outer ring which is composed of connective tissue. A sudden movement or blunt trauma may cause a spinal tear in the annulus which may also cause a nearby ligaments to stretch which will cause back pain.

2. BULGING DISC - As a disc wears out or there is a sudden trauma to the disc, the spongy center of the disc “nucleus” may force the disc to push out and put pressure on the spinal nerve causing back and leg pain.

3. HERNIATED DISC OR RUPTURED DISC - Is where the jelly-like material of the disc (nucleus) has pushed through the annulus and is pinching on the spinal nerves. This usually results in pain radiating down the spinal nerve. With a herniated disc in the neck, the radiated pain usually travels down the arms. With a herniated disc in the low back, the pain, numbness and tingling usually travels down the injured persons leg. Depending on the severity of the herniated disc and the number of herniated discs, there are several different types of surgery set forth as follows:

DISCECTOMY - This is where the neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon will remove the herniated disc material that presses on the nerve or spinal cord, which relieve the pressure on the nerve root, which should relieve the symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling.

LAMINECTOMY -This procedure is where the neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon will remove some of the bone that forms a protective arch over the spinal cord to allow easier removal of the herniated disc. In some circumstances, a surgeon will perform a discectomy and laminectomy at that same time.

SPINAL FUSION SURGERY - This procedure is done when the orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon takes medical rods and plates and screws them in the vertebrae to hold two or more vertebrae together to prevent movement so bone can grow between the fused discs. After a spinal fusion surgery patients usually have restricted range of motion in the spine.

Treatment of Back Injuries

Epidural Steroid Injection. An epidural steroid injection is when the surgeon injects steroid medication into the epidural space. The doctor sometimes performs this procedure with the use of a fluoroscope to make sure he inserts the needle in the correct spot and not to injure the spinal cord. The epidural space is the area that surrounds the spinal cord. The purpose of the epidural steroid injection is to reduce the swelling of the nerves in the epidural space. If the swelling of the nerves in an epidural space are reduced, the pain, numbness and tingling should also be reduced. Usually the epidural steroid injection is done with local anesthesia. The person is usually sitting upright or flat on their stomach or on the side. Epidural steroid injections usually work better for people who have numbness and pain shooting down the leg as opposed to people who have generalized low back pain.

15. REFLEX SYMPATHY DYSTROPHY

Reflex Sympathy Dystrophy is a disorder characterized by chronic severe pain. This sometimes include pain in the arms, fingers and palms of the hand, although it may occur in the legs. If there is an affected area of the skin, it may be extremely sensitive to touch or weather changes. The effective limbs may also perspire excessively.

16. MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (Heart attack)

Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, is the death of a certain segment of the heart muscle usually the result of a complete blockage in one of the coronary arteries or branch of the coronary artery. Heart attacks may be compensable under the Illinois Workers Compensation Act. If you or your loved one suffered a heart attack while at work, please contact Attorney David Rechenberg immediately to determine if you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. A heart attack may be compensable under the act if the employee's employment was a causative factor, the employment need not be the sole causative factor or even the principle causative factor, only it be at least a causative factor.

17. Single Incident or Sudden Injuries

Single incident or sudden injuries are what most people think of when talking about worker’s comp issues. For example, a UPS driver lifts a heavy box and pulls a muscle in his back, or someone slips and falls on a slippery floor and lands on their shoulder.   Single incident or sudden injuries such as these may be compensable by worker's comp.

18. Repetitive Stress Injuries

These injuries can be the same as the single incident injuries. Only the cause is different. Instead of a single incident, injuries can result from years of repetitive stress.  Whether it happens all at once, or over a period of months or years, we have handled worker’s compensation cases that involved:

• Rotator cuff tear

• Torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)

• Torn MCL (medial collateral ligament)

• Torn meniscus

• Back injury, e.g. bulging disk or herniated disc

• Neck injury

• Knee / hip replacement

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Hearing loss

• Heart attack / stroke

• Lateral epicondylitis

• Cubital tunnel syndrome

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Ulnar nerve transposition

• RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy

19. Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a network of four (4) tendons or muscles that surround the top of the shoulder. The rotator cuff keeps the arm in place in the shoulder joint and allows the arm to move. The four (4) muscles that make up the rotator cuff are: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and the teres minor muscles. These muscles are attached to tendons which are attached to the bones. The most common rotator cuff tear is a tear in the supraspinatus, tendon and muscle.

Rotator cuff tears are usually caused by a single traumatic event like a car crash or a work injury, or overuse of the shoulder joint by repetitive movements. Statistically, most repetitive trauma rotator cuff tears occur in individuals over 40 years old.

The diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear is confirmed through MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) after an examination by a physician. This test allows the doctor to see what part of the rotator cuff is damaged. If a person has a rotator cuff tear, non-surgical treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and steroid injections. The surgical treatment options for a rotator cuff tear are either arthroscopic or an open repair. When a person has a partial thickness rotator cuff tear, as opposed to a full thickness rotator cuff tear, the surgeon may surgically repair the damage by a debridement procedure where the surgeon trims the tear through an arthroscopic procedure.

20. Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement surgery is called Knee Arthroplasty. A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure where the surgeon removes the patient’s existing knee joint and replaces it with an artificial metal knee. The knee is the largest joint in the body. According to studies, there are over 575,000 knee replacements performed each year in the United States alone. The knee joint is where the thigh bone and shin bone and knee cap all meet. The thigh bone is called femur, the shin bone is called the tibia and the knee cap is called the patella. Where these bones come together there is cartilage which allows the bones to move easily and without friction and no pain under normal conditions. Knee replacement surgery usually occurs when the cartilage in a person’s knee joint has disappeared and the bones that make up the knee joint are rubbing on each other. Studies have shown that more than 90% of people who undergo a surgical total knee replacement have a substantial decrease in knee pain and a significant improvement in using their knee during daily life activities.

21. Total Hip Replacement

A total hip replacement is called total hip arthroplasty. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The ball of this joint is the top part of the thigh bone (femur) which connects to the socket in the pelvis bone. The area where the thigh bone is connected to the hip bone is called the acetabulum.

When a total hip replacement is performed, the surgeon will insert a metal artificial ball and stem into the femur bone and insert a plastic cup socket into the hip bone and then connect the metal ball into the plastic socket. The medical community refers to the artificial hip replacement joint as a prosthesis.

The three common causes for a total hip replacement include: 1) trauma to the hip joint, 2) degenerative arthritis, and 3) congenital abnormality of the hip.

If You Are Injured at Work

The first step is to tell your supervisor and file an incident report if you are injured at work. Because these injuries happened on the job, you are entitled to compensation for wage loss and rehabilitation.

In order to make sure that you are compensated for your injury, call Franks & Rechenberg, P.C.  David N. Rechenberg has guided people through the worker’s compensation system for 18 years. We can assist you in getting a just settlement or award. Please visit our worker's comp verdicts and settlements page for examples of our results.