Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome in Farmers and its Correlation with Degenerative Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury.

CONTEXT: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is an occupational disease that affects workers who are exposed to vibrations. Farmers are prone to various musculoskeletal and cumulative trauma disorders. These occur owing to overuse, degeneration, and excess physical efforts along with whole-body vibrations- owing to the use of farming equipment such as tractors and harvesters. AIMS: Aims of the study were to find out the prevalence of various symptoms of HAVS among farmers using tractors, harvesters, etc., and to find out the correlation of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury with HAVS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prevalence study was conducted among farmers. Farmers were selected by random sampling method and were asked to fill-up a HAVS surveillance questionnaire. The handgrip strength was recorded with a hand dynamometer. Assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome was done, and correlation of HAVS with TFCC injury was assessed. RESULTS: Data from 100 farmers was obtained and analyzed. The musculoskeletal symptoms of HAVS, more specifically pain was prevalent (n = 65), followed by sensorineural symptoms (n = 70), and the vascular symptoms were less common (n = 43). HAVS accounts for a prevalence of 64% with 39% of farmers having TFCC injury along with HAVS (P value = <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings reported in the study provide a better understanding of the impact and extent of HAVS in farmers. There is a significant prevalence of HAVS with mild symptoms of vascular component, mild to moderate symptoms of sensorineural component, and significant involvement of the musculoskeletal component. In addition, TFCC injury is correlated with HAVS.

Prevalence of Upper Cross Syndrome in Laundry Workers.

CONTEXT: Upper crossed syndrome is caused by weakness in one group of muscles and tightness in other group of muscles. Deep-neck flexor weakness and tight pectorals and sternocleidomastoid contribute to this syndrome. This syndrome mainly arises as a result of muscular imbalance that usually develops between weak and tonic muscles. Laundry workers tend to develop this syndrome due to the nature of their work. AIMS: The aim of the study is to find the prevalence of upper crossed syndrome in laundry workers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prevalence study was conducted among laundry workers. Laundry workers were selected by random sampling method. They were assessed by performing various special tests for tightness and weakness of the muscles. Oswestry neck disability index questionnaire was then filled up by the population included. RESULTS: Data from fifty laundry workers were obtained and analyzed. The symptoms of upper crossed syndrome were present (n = 14) in the population with mild neck disability (n = 4) and moderate neck disability (n = 11) and no disability (n = 35). CONCLUSIONS: These findings reported in the study provide a better understanding of impact and the extent of upper crossed syndrome. We found out that there is a significant prevalence of upper crossed syndrome in laundry workers. Neck pain presents as the main symptom, and these patients also present with forward head-and-neck posture.