Journal List > Korean J Occup Environ Med > v.12(3) > 1126085

Yim, Kim, Yang, Yang, Kim, Chun, and Park: 6 Cases of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome in Grinding Workers Exposed to Hand-arm Vibration

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

To confirm the HAVS in workers exposed to hand-arm vibration with using the objective diagnostic methods.

METHODS

Several tests were used to help substantiate a clinical diagnosis of HAVS. Some other diseases were excluded by a medical interview, hematologic assessment, urinalysis, X-rays. The hand-arm vibration acceleration level of the grinder was evaluated for considering HAVS. Peripheral vascular changes were examined by a cold provocation test. An electromyography was implemented to ascertain the peripheral neural changes.

RESULTS

8 workers with symptoms in hands & fingers, exposed to hand-arm vibration were examined. Some other diseases(primary Raynauds disease, secondary Raynauds disease in not occupational origin) were excluded by a medical interview, hematologic assessment, urinalysis, X-rays. The hand-arm vibration acceleration level of the grinder was 7. 9 m/sec2. The recovery time of a skin temperature followed finger cooling was significantly prolonged in 6 workers with HAVS. The nerve conduction velocity was reduced in 6 workers with HAVS.

CONCLUSIONS

So we report 6 cases of HAVS in grinding workers exposed to hand-arm vibration diagnosed objectively by an exclusion of some other disease, handarm vibration acceleration level, cold provocation test, electromyography.

TOOLS
Similar articles