Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Hand-arm vibration syndrome with use of anti-vibration chain saws: 19-year follow-up study of forestry workers

  • Original Article
  • Published:
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) consists of vascular and neurological component. Musculoskeletal component has not been delineated yet. In the present follow-up study, we evaluated the prevalence of HAVS and the cumulative exposure to vibration among a cohort of forestry workers. Special interest was given to numbness and musculoskeletal disorders of upper extremity and neck in forestry workers. Methods: A follow-up study starting from 1976 was conducted among forestry workers in Suomussalmi in Finland. Total exposure of hand-arm vibration was recorded during 11 cross-sectional surveys. The last study was carried out in 1995. The lifetime dose of vibration energy was calculated. A cohort of 52 forest workers participated to all 11 cross-sectional surveys 1976–1995. HAVS and musculoskeletal disorders were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of active vibration white finger (VWF) decreased from 13 to 4% in the cross-sectional study. In the cohort VWF decreased from 17 to 8% and numbness increased from 23 to 40%. Rotator cuff syndrome (P=0.034) and epicondylitis (P=0.004) associated with numbness. Regional neck pain was diagnosed in 38% of workers and associated with low back pain. In modeling VWF, the lifelong vibration energy (OR 1.03, CI 1.01–1.05), and smoking (OR 7.36, CI 1.07–50.76) were significant. Numbness was modeled by pain in upper extremities (OR 12.43, CI 2.42–63.80) and neck pain (5.97, CI 1.25–28.39), not by lifelong vibration energy. Right rotator cuff syndrome was modeled by age (OR 2.58, CI 1.04–6.41) and lifelong vibration energy (OR 1.04, CI 1.00–1.07). Conclusions: The prevalence of VWF constantly decreased. Numbness did not follow the vibration exposure profile. Numbness also associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Hand-arm vibration associated with the right rotator cuff syndrome in forestry workers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Araki S, Honma T, Aoyama K (1976) Peripheral nerve conduction velocities in chain saw operators. Jpn J Ind Health 18:516–520

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ariëns GAM, Van Mechelen W, Bongers PM, Bouter LM, Van der Wal G (2000) Physical risk factors for neck pain. Scand J Work Environ Health 26 (1):7–19

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bernard BP, editor (1997) Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace factors: A critical review of epidemiologic evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and low back. Cincinnati (OH). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH, US Department of Health and Human Services. Report No 97–141

  • Bovenzi M (1998) Exposure-response relationship in the hand-arm vibration syndrome: an overview of current epidemiology research. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 71:509–519

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bovenzi M, Zadini A, Franzinelli A, Borgogni F (1991) Occupational musculoskeletal disorders of neck and upper limbs of forestry workers exposed to hand-arm vibration. Ergonomics (in press)

  • Bovenzi M, Franzinelli A, Mancini R, Cannava MG, Maiorano M, Ceccarelli F (1995) Dose–response relation for vascular disorders induced by vibration in the fingers of forestry workers. Occup Environ Med 52:722–730

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bovenzi M, Giannini F, Rossi S (2000) Vibration-induced multifocal neuropathy in forestry workers: electrophysiological findings in relation to vibration exposure and finger circulation. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 73:519–527

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brammer AJ, Pyykkö I (1987) Vibration-induced neuropathy. Detection by nerve conduction measurements. Scand J Work Environ Health 13:317–322

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burdorf A, Monster A (1991) Exposure to vibration and self-reported health complaints of riveters in the aircraft industry. Ann Occup Hyg 35:287–298

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cederlund R, Isacsson A, Lundborg G (1999) Hand function in workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome. J Hand Ther 12:16–24

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cherniack M, Clive J, Seidner A (2000) Vibration exposure, smoking, and vascular dysfunction. Occup Environ Med 57:341–347

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cherniack M, Morse TF, Brammer AJ, Lundström R, Meyer JD, Nilsson T, Peterson D, Toppila E, Warren N, Fu R, Bruneau H, Croteau M (2004) Vibration exposure and disease in a shipyard: a 13-year revisit. Am J Ind Med 45(6):500–512

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dasgupta AK, Harrison J (1996) Effects of vibration on the hand-arm system of miners in India. Occup Med 46:71–78

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fairbank JC, Couper J, Davies JB, O’Brien JP (1980) The Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire. Physiotherapy 66: 271–273

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Färkkilä M (1978) Grip force in vibration disease. Scand J Work Environ Health 4:159–166

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Färkkilä M, Aatola S, Starck J, Pyykkö I, Korhonen O (1985) Vibration induced neuropathy among forest workers. Acta Neurol Scand 71:221–225

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Färkkilä M, Aatola S, Starck J, Korhonen O, Pyykkö I (1986) Hand grip forces in lumberjacks: two-year follow-up. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 58:203–208

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gemne G, Lundström R (1996) Evaluation of the white finger risk prediction model in ISO 5349 suggests need for prospective studies. Cent Eur J Public Health 4:137–139

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Giannini F, Rossi S, Passero S, Bovenzi M, Cannava G, Mancini R, Cioni R, Battistini N (1999) Multifocal neural conduction impairment in forestry workers exposed and not exposed to vibration. Clin Neurophysiol 110:1276–1283

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ISO 5349 (2001) Vibration and shock-guidelines for the measurement and assessment of human exposure to hand-arm vibration. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva

  • Koskimies K (1992) Vibration syndrome among Finnish forest workers between 1972 and 1990. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 64:251–256

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koskimies K, Färkkilä M, Jäntti V, Aatola S, Starck J, Inaba R (1990) Carpal tunnel syndrome in vibration disease. Br J Ind Med 47:411–416

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miranda H, Viikari-Juntura E, Martikainen R, Takala E-P, Riihimäki H (2001) A prospective study of work related factors and physical exercise as predictors of shoulder pain. Occup Environ Med 58:528–534

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mirbod SM, Inaba R, Iwata H (1995) Operating vibrating tools and prevalence of subjective complaints in vibration syndrome. Centr Eur J Public Health 3(Suppl):97–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Palmer KT, Griffin MJ, Syddall HE, Pannett B, Cooper C, Coggon D (2001) Exposure to hand-transmitted vibration and pain in the neck and upper limbs. Occup Med 51:464–467

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pyykkö I (1974) The prevalence and symptoms of traumatic vasospastic disease among lumberjacks in Finland. A field study Work Environ Health 11:118–131

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pyykkö I, Färkkilä M, Korhonen O, Starck J, Jäntti V (1986) Cold provocation tests in the evaluation of vibration-induced white finger. Scand J Work Environ Health 12:254–258

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ranta E, Rita H, Kouki (1989) Biometria–tilastotiedettä ekologeille, 6.edn. Yliopistopaino, Helsinki

  • Scott M (1976) Graphic representation of pain. Pain 2:175–184

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seppäläinen AM (1972) Peripheral neuropathy in forest workers: a field study. Scand J Work Environ Health 9:106–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Sluiter JK, Rest KM, Frings-Dresen MHW (2001). Criteria document for evaluation the work-relatedness of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Scan J Work Environ Health 27:1–102

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Soukka A, Salminen JJ, Alaranta H (1989) The evaluation of axial and locomotor function in clinical disability. Review (in Finnish). Duodecim 105:92–99

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stenlund B, Goldie I, Hagberg M (1992) Radiographic osteoarthrosis in the acromioclavicular joint resulting from manual work or exposure to vibration. Br J Ind Med 49:588–593

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Viikari-Juntura E (1998) Risk factors for upper limb disorders: implications for prevention and treatment. Clin Orthop Rel Res 351:39–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Waris P, Kuorinka I, Kurppa K, Luopajärvi T, Virolainen M, Pesonen K, Nummi J, Kukkonen R (1979) Epidemiologic screening of occupational neck and upper limb disorders. Scand J Work Environ Health 5(Suppl):25–38

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the provision of financial assistance by the Finnish National Board of Forestry and by North Karelian Hospital and by Forestry Workers Fund in Finland. We greatly appreciated the support of other members of the research team, especially Kaija Koskimies, and the staff of regional health clinic at Ämmänsaari, Finland. We remain indebted to the forestry workers who generously and patiently donated their time.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department Of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, North Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16, 80210, Joensuu, Finland

    Päivi Sutinen

  2. Department Of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 2000, Kuopio, Finland

    Päivi Sutinen

  3. Department of Physics, Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41, 00250, Helsinki, Finland

    Esko Toppila & Jukka Starck

  4. Institute For Microstructural Sciences, National Research Council (NRC), M-36, K1a0r6, Ottawa, Canada

    Anthony Brammer

  5. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tampere University Hospital, PO Box 2000, 33201, Tampere, Finland

    Jing Zou & Ilmari Pyykkö

Authors
  1. Päivi Sutinen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Esko Toppila
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jukka Starck
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Anthony Brammer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jing Zou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Ilmari Pyykkö
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Päivi Sutinen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Sutinen, P., Toppila, E., Starck, J. et al. Hand-arm vibration syndrome with use of anti-vibration chain saws: 19-year follow-up study of forestry workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 79, 665–671 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-006-0099-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-006-0099-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation