Article

The aim of this study was to assess flexor pollicis longus tendon by
using ultrasound imaging in frequent mobile phone texters. SUBJECTS: In total,
149 subjects, aged 18-40 yrs, were recruited as frequent mobile phone texters (n
= 71) and infrequent texters (n = 78). METHODS: Demographic data and estimate
frequency of texting were noted. Thumb pain during activity, range of motion for
thumb joints, grip and pinch strengths, and Quick Disabilities of arm, shoulder,
and hand were evaluated. Standardized bilateral ultrasound evaluations were
performed using a linear array probe, and tendon area measurements were done with
axial imaging at midthenar region and midproximal phalangeal region with manual
trace technique. RESULTS: The groups were similar except for the mean estimate
number of messages/month (P = 0.001). Whereas grip and pinch strength values were
significantly higher (frequent texter group, P = 0.001; infrequent texter group,
grip strength P = 0.018; pinch strengths, P = 0.001) on the texting side in both
groups, flexor pollicis longus tendons were larger (P = 0.001) and the activity
pain was higher (P = 0.005) on the texting sides only in the frequent texter
group. Flexor pollicis longus thickness significantly correlated with
messages/month only in the frequent texter group (r = 0.592, P = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Flexor pollicis longus tendons seem to be thicker at the midthenar
level in subjects who frequently use mobile phone texting. Because this increase
in thickness parallels the number of messages per day, the authors believe that
further studies are needed to elucidate whether such changes become problematic later on in life.

Langue : ANGLAIS