Ergonimically designed dental and surgical instruments are designed to reduce the risk of wrist and hand injuries during use, by providing instruments with handles that better suit the shape of the individuals hand and the grip required to use them.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Using inappropriately designed tools for prolonged periods of time can lead to wrist and hand injuries. In addition to using ergonomic tools there are a number of practices that can be adopted to reduce the risk of wrist and hand injuries including:
- taking regular breaks
- using tools with larger handles
- using sharp tools to avoid the need for applying extra pressure
- using a neutral wrist position where possible as this position provides maximum strength at the wrist.
Consideration should also be given to the grip required to use each tool as this may prove difficult for some individuals with poor grip strength, tremors, weakness, and poor dexterity. Some general grips that relate to use of tools include:
- the power grip which holds an object in the palm of the hand using all fingers to grip
- the pinch grip which holds an object between the thumb and index finger
- the external precision grip which holds an object between the thumb, index and middle finger using the side of the hand for support
- the internal precision grip which holds an object across the edge of the middle, ring and little fingers, the tip of the index finger and the thumb.
The size, shape and surface of a grip can also affect how efficient and comfortable a tool is to use. Therefore changing tool design or handle size may result in the tool being easier to use or increase endurance during use.
For more information on ergonomic equipment and reducing the risk of wrist and hand injuries, see the links below:
References
Patkin, M. 2001, ‘A checklist for handle design’, Ergonomics Australia On-Line, no.15 (supplement), viewed 18 January 2011, http://ergonomics.uq.edu.au/eaol/handle.pdf.
U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine Ergonomics Program 2005, Taking a Bite Out of Work-Related Injuries: A Guide for Dental Care Providers, United States Army Center for Health Promotion & Preventive Medicine, Maryland, viewed 18 January 2011, http://www.ergoworkinggroup.org/ewgweb/SubPages/ProgramTools/Publications/2005Pubs/DentalBooklet.pdf.