Hand-arm vibration syndrome; Consequences for hand function and quality of life
Author
Summary, in English
Results: 1) The most common hand symptoms were cold intolerance, numbness and pain. Sensory functions were more disturbed than motor functions in clinical assessments. Working outdoors in cold weather, using vibrating machines, opening lids and packages, writing, lifting and carrying objects appeared more difficult than other activities. Workers with HAVS described lower QoL here expressed as less subjective well-being, more symptoms of ill-health and ADL difficulties than workers without symptoms. 2) Cold intolerance and pain showed a high agreement with the Stockholm Workshop Scales (SWS), the gold standard in diagnosing HAVS. Three out of ten objective tests of hand function, assessing perception of vibration, perception of touch/pressure, and dexterity showed a moderate agreement with SWS. Thus, corresponding defined objective tests of hand function (Tactilometry, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, and Purdue pegboard test) combined with questions on cold intolerance and pain, together with the SWS can be helpful for diagnosing HAVS. 3) Behavioural treatment of cold intolerance was not effective in workers with HAVS although digital skin temperature increased after treatment. The results indicated that the subjective assessment of cold intolerance did not correlate with the objective assessment of digital skin temperature. The findings highlight the lack of knowledge of the nature and pathophysiology of cold intolerance.
Conclusion: 1) HAVS can result in impaired hand function and lower QoL 2) Specific tests of hand function and questions of hand symptoms can be useful for detecting a vibration injury. 3) Since no treatment of HAVS has proved effective, prophylactic measures should be further highlighted.
Publishing year
2002
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation
Publisher
Ragnhild Cederlund, Hand Surgery Department, Rehab Unit, Malmö University Hospital, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden,
Topic
- Surgery
Keywords
- ortopedi
- traumatologi
- traumatology
- Kirurgi
- Surgery
- orthopaedics
- questionnaires
- tests
- assessments
- outcomes
- ill-health
- well-being
- activities of daily living (ADL)
- quality of life
- hand function
- hand symptoms
- Vibration exposure
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)
Status
Published
Research group
- Sustainable occupations and health in a life course perspective
Supervisor
- [unknown] [unknown]
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISBN: 91-628-5447-X
Defence date
6 December 2002
Defence time
09:15
Defence place
Lilla Aulan, Medicinskt Forskningscentrum, Malmö University Hospital, entrance 59, Carl Gustavs väg 33, Malmö, Sweden
Opponent
- Christer Sollerman