6 Cases of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome in Grinding Workers Exposed to Hand-arm Vibration

Yim, Shang Hyuk; Kim, Rokho; Yang, Gil Seung; Yang, Jung In; Kim, Sang Sup; Chun, Hyoung Joon; Park, Si Bog

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.