Clinical evaluation of hand-arm-vibration syndrome in shipyard workers: sensitivity and specificity as compared to Stockholm classification and vibrometry testing.
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.
Kent
D C
DC
Lawrence and Memorial Hospital Occupational Health Center, Groton, USA.
Allen
R
R
Bureau
P
P
Cherniack
M
M
Hans
J
J
Robinson
M
M
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