Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Repetitive hand postures and movements can lead to some musculoskeletal system diseases in the hand and wrist. Welders carry risks for these diseases because of the nature of the work they are doing. It is planned to investigate the frequency of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Dupuytren Contracture (DK), Trigger finger (TP), DeQuervin Tendinitis (DQT) and 3 as ganglions in the welders.

METHODS

Twenty welders who applied to my hospital were recorded as age, duration of study, use of dominant in working.They were questioned for the symptoms of CTS, DK, TP, DQT and the severity of these symptoms. All patients were examined by an orthopedist. Patients with pathological physical examination findings were assessed neurophysiologically by electromyography (EMG)

RESULTS

A total of 20 welders, aged 30-54, all male, were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 45.7 ± 6.5 years and the average duration of the working as welder was 24.7 ± 8.3 years. Sixteen patients (80%) had subjective hand and wrist complaints while 4 (20%) patients had no complaints. The mean duration of complaints was 2.3 ± 1 (1-5) years. 8 patients stated that their complaints increased when they were welding. Orthopedic examination revealed tenor atrophy in 5 patients, tinel positivity in 10 patients, phalen test positivity in 5 patients. Two patients were diagnosed as DQT, 1 as TP, 1as DD and 3 as Ganglions. Sixteen patients evaluated by EMG; unilateral mild CTS was detected in 3, unilateral moderate in 2, severe unilateral CTS findings in 1 patient, moderate in dominant, mild CTS in non-dominant hand of a patient who had bilateral complaints.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

CTS is a major cause of labor loss in welders, providing early diagnosis and treatment of the disease through increased awareness of the disease's symptoms in this occupational group will reduce labor force loss caused by the disease