[The prevalence of spondylopathies among the workers in the operating rooms of Mestre Hospital]. / Prevalenza di spondilopatie tra i lavoratori delle sale operatorie dell'ospedale di Mestre.

A total of 107 hospital workers, 49 males and 58 females, employed in the operating theatres of Mestre Hospital (near Venice, Italy), were examined using the "EPM Research Unit" method for assessing spinal function. These workers are obliged to maintain a fixed standing posture characterized by isometric load of the extensor lumbar muscles. The frequency of spinal disorders in males was 16.3% for the cervical tract, 6.1% for the dorsal tract and 20.4% for the lumbar tract. The frequency in females was respectively 32.8%, 22.4% and 44.8%. The results were compared with those of a control group, revealing a statistically significant difference as regards dorsal and lumbar disorders in females (O.R. = 5.68 and 3.18). The results suggest an increased spinal risk for the female members of this category of workers.