No abstract

This is a review of 140 musicians referred to a specialist hand therapy department in London, England. Musicians are referred from different sources and represent a fair cross-section. The musicians were analyzed in three different age groups: under 25 years of age, 25–40 years of age, and over 40 years of age; and by three different pathological groups: “trauma,” “degenerative,” and “non-specific arm and hand pain.” The results highlight three points: 1) Musicians of all ages are injured in coincidental accidents (“trauma”). 2) As musicians age, they are more likely to develop “degenerative” upper limb conditions such as Dupuytren’s contracture, nerve compression syndromes, or degenerative arthrosis in critical joints. 3) Non-specific arm and hand pain is overwhelmingly prevalent in young musicians and music students but is much less prevalent in the older age groups. This last point is the most worrisome statistic and perhaps the most preventable.

A multidisciplinary approach is essential to achieve a successful return to professional music making for musicians. This is evident in the following case involving a 48-year-old professional violinist.

Professor Blum introduced the topic and aims of the meeting which were to emphasise the interdisciplinary exchange of experience regarding prevention, diagnostics and methods of treatment for the musician's hand. Although the hand cannot be separated from the rest of the body, spirit and soul, it is important to concentrate on the detail of the hand to assist in establishing new concepts in treatment and prevention of musician's injuries. We were extremely fortunate to enjoy two cello suites by J.S. Bach by Professor Berger from the Gutenberg University music department. This certainly set the focus for a music medicine conference.