Clinical evaluation of vibration-exposed complainants in field surveys.

Abstract

PEL MEAR PL. Clinical evaluation of vibration-exposed complainants in field surveys. Scand J Work Environ Health 13(1987) 284-285. The time constraints on research workers in the field inevitably limit the depth and quality of evaluations, which have two essential components, a questionnaire on the medical and work history and simple clinical tests conducted within a reasonable time frame. The questionnaire should include subject identification and age, personal and family history, past and present occupational history, and past and present hand-arm symptoms. The clinical tests, following a physical examination of the neck and upper limbs, should seek to evaluate the cardiovascular and neurological systems in the hands and arms. Tests to demonstrate the patency of the major vessels, and the response of the digital vessels following immersion in cold water, are feasible and practical, as are neurological tests to determine skin sensitivity to touch and vibration. Grip strength should be evaluated, as well as hearing loss by audiometry. Some error s in diagnosis occur with the use of such screening tests, but subsequent hospital investigations have usually confirmed their overall reliability. It is concluded that with improved instrumentation the evaluation of vibration-exposed workers at initial and follow-up examinations can only improve, as will the validity of the counseling of workers and machine manufacturers to reduce the risk.

Use of questionnaire screening for vibration white finger in a high risk industrial population

“…This was based on recommended formats (Pelmear 1987;Pelmear and Taylor 1992b) covering vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational history, general medical history including any relevant trauma, current medication, family and smoking history and eects of current symptoms on work and lifestyle. It was administered to each man by one member of the investigative team to ensure that there were no misunderstandings about any of the questions asked.…”

Applied Force Alters Sensorineural and Peripheral Vascular Function in a Rat Model of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

“…Hand-arm vibration syndrome is characterized by cold-induced finger blanching, [1][2][3] alterations in peripheral sensory function, [4][5][6] and reductions in grip strength and manual dexterity. [7][8][9][10][11][12] Based on epidemiological studies the International Organization for Standardization established a standard for the measurement and assessment of the HTV exposure, ISO-5349-1. 13 Since then, studies examined the physical, physiological, and cellular responses to vibration and have provided a better understanding of the aspects of vibration that pose the greatest risk for inducing injury (ie, specific frequencies and amplitudes of the exposure [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] ).…”

“…Occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) has been associated with the development of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Hand-arm vibration syndrome is characterized by cold-induced finger blanching, 1–3 alterations in peripheral sensory function, 4–6 and reductions in grip strength and manual dexterity 7–12 . Based on epidemiological studies the International Organization for Standardization established a standard for the measurement and assessment of the HTV exposure, ISO-5349-1 13 .…”