In July 2018 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess whether there are any seasonal and weather variations in the presentation of common upper extremity disorders. 68,943 consecutive, new patient visits were reviewed for carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, lateral epicondylitis, hand arthritis, and distal radius fractures. Presentation rates for each condition were compared across month, season, and various weather parameters. Results showed that distal radius fractures, hand arthritis, and lateral epicondylitis had a higher rate of presentation in the winter months compared with all other seasons. Trigger finger and DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis showed no statistically significant seasonal differences. Higher barometric pressures were associated with higher rates of presentation for all of the diagnoses. Higher humidity was associated with lower rates of carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, lateral epicondylitis, and distal radius fractures. There was no significant association between temperature levels or amount of precipitation.
Warrender WJ et al. Seasonal Variation in the Prevalence of Common Orthopaedic Upper Extremity Conditions. J Wrist Surg. 2018 Jul;7(3):232-236.