Abstract
Aims: To examine vibration levels produced by orthopaedic air tools and the prevalence of upper limb symptoms in orthopaedic surgeons. Methods: A preliminary measurement of vibration levels produced by six air powered orthopaedic saws was followed by a national survey of orthopaedic surgeons and controls. A health surveillance questionnaire of symptoms associated with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) was sent to 1200 orthopaedic surgeons (test group) and 1200 gynaecological surgeons (controls). Results: Measured accelerations of the saws were 3.42 to 10.7 m/sec2 using BSI standards and 90.5 to 182 m/sec−2 using NIOSH standards. These vibration levels are compatible with those reported to cause significant upper limb symptoms
Survey responses were received from 741(61.7%) of the test group and 748 (62.3%) of the control group. A statistically significant increase in the prevalence of the neurological symptoms was seen among orthopaedic surgeons (p< 0.001). A significant increase in musculoskeletal problems (p< 0.008) and muscle pain (p< 0.004) was also found. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of vascular symptoms. The neurological symptoms were not related to other potential medical causes. Conclusions: Orthopaedic surgeons report an excess of upper limb symptoms and these may be linked to vibration exposure at work.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
