Vibration syndrome in chipping and grinding workers. Radiographic testing.
Authors
Taylor-W; Howie-G; Rappaport-M
Source
J Occup Med 1984 Oct; 26(10)(Suppl):783-785
Abstract
The use of radiographic testing to diagnose vibration syndrome was examined. Testing involved checking for cysts caused by recurrent impacts in workers using pneumatic tools. The hands of workers who used pneumatic chisels and comparison workers not exposed to such vibration were X-rayed. Anteroposterior and lateral views were obtained for each subject. Roentgenograms were read by two independent radiologists who examined them for cysts and rheumatoid and traumatic lesions. Workers were divided on the basis of other symptoms of vibration syndrome: asymptomatic; tingling and numbness; and stages 1 to 3 of finger blanching. Relationships between the occurrence, number, and size of cysts and exposure to hand/arm vibration or stage of vibration syndrome development were examined. There was a slight increase in the number of cysts by age which was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences between workers and comparisons or between workers at different stages of vibration syndrome with regard to the total number of cysts for any bone or group of bones, for any size of cysts, or for the number of cysts on the dominant versus the minor hand. The authors conclude that the occurrence of cysts in the hand and wrist bones does not have utility as an objective test for diagnosing vibration syndrome.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; Workers; Quantitative-analysis; Vibration-effects; Occupations; Vibration-pickups; Occupational-exposure; Vibration-control; Occupational-hazards; Vibration-monitors; Vibration-disease; Vibration-exposure
Document Type
Journal Article
Source Name
Journal of Occupational Medicine
