title: Clinical evaluation of hand-arm-vibration syndrome in shipyard workers: sensitivity and specificity as compared to Stockholm classification and vibrometry testing.
abstract: The hand-arm-vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a complex entity composed of circulatory, sensory, and motor disturbances, as well as associated musculoskeletal components. This study was performed to find a diagnostic testing modality with sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value to be utilized as a screening test for this disorder in a working population. A full range of testing modalities was utilized in the shipyard medical department. In addition, a clinical diagnosis of vascular and sensorineural disease was established in the workers by a combination of plethysmography, vibrometry, two point discrimination, and monofilament testing in an independent occupational medicine clinic. No one test modality met the requirements for such a definitive diagnostic test. Rather, a range of modalities was required to reach any acceptable level of predictive value, with sufficient degrees of specificity and sensitivity.
authors.affiliation: Lawrence and Memorial Hospital Occupational Health Center, Groton, USA.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Kent
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bureau
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cherniack
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hans
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012767:Ships; D013577:Syndrome; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017132:Workplace