Abstract
Background
Repetitive hand movements during mobile device use, such as texting and typing, may lead to cumulative stress on hand structures and result in musculoskeletal conditions with potential surgical relevance. The increasing ubiquity of smartphone use raises concern for the development of overuse injuries, particularly among younger individuals and high-frequency users.
Objective
To systematically review and characterize surgically relevant hand and wrist pathologies associated with mobile phone use.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search of Embase, PubMed, and Scopus using terms related to mobile device use (e.g., “texting,” “smartphone”) and hand conditions requiring or potentially requiring surgical intervention (e.g., “de Quervain,” “trigger thumb”). Studies were included if they reported hand or wrist injuries in mobile device users with surgical implications. Studies unrelated to hand anatomy or lacking relevance to surgical pathology were excluded. Abstract and full-text screening were followed by data extraction.
Results
Of 588 articles initially identified, 42 met inclusion criteria, representing over 67,000 individuals. The mean age across studies was 24.6 years. The most commonly reported surgically relevant conditions included de Quervain's tenosynovitis (n=9), carpal tunnel syndrome (n=6), tendinitis (n=4), and trigger finger (n=1). Across studies, increased mobile phone use was associated with a higher risk of developing these pathologies.
Conclusions
As mobile device usage continues to rise, recognition of surgically relevant hand injuries is essential. Preventive strategies and ergonomic interventions may reduce the burden of these injuries, particularly in younger and high-use populations.