[Peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome in musicians]

Abstract

This survey article discusses entrapment syndromes of nerves in instrumentalists. There is no specific susceptibility of musicians to peripheral nerve lesions. They are, however, very sensitive to symptoms caused by entrapment neuropathies. In pianists the right arm is more often affected and in violinists the left. Some typical syndromes are described such as the thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, anterior and posterior interosseus syndrome, as well as ulnar neuropathies at elbow and wrist. The symptoms of peripheral nerve entrapment can interfere with playing the instrument in such a way that musicians have to give up their career. The results of conservative and surgical treatment are, however, favourable.