A review of occupational knee disorders.
BACKGROUND
Lower extremity knee disorders, like other cumulative disorders of the body, build up over time through cumulative exposures. 2006 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that cumulative knee disorders account for 65% of lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders and 5% of total body musculoskeletal disorders.


METHODS
The objective of the literature review was to find papers on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) common to the knee region. From these, symptoms of the disorders, affected industries, and potential risk factors were assessed.


RESULTS
A review of the literature divulges that knee disorders primarily consist of bursitis, meniscal lesions or tears, and osteoarthritis. Though kneeling and squatting are considered to be two of the primary risk factors correlated to these knee disorders, 12 other risk factors should also be contemplated. These 14 contributing risk factors include both occupational (extrinsic) and personal (intrinsic) variables that affect the labor industries. Example industries include mining, construction, manufacturing, and custodial services where knee bending postural activities exist as a commonality.


CONCLUSIONS
The understanding of the types of knee disorders, the affected occupations, and the job related risk factors will allow ergonomic practitioners and researchers to create and adjust work environments for the detection and lessening of knee work-related musculoskeletal risk. Further studies need to be conducted to (1) justify the presence of risk from certain risk factors and (2) enhance the understanding of risk factor dose-response levels and their temporal development.
Reid
Christopher R
CR
Department of Industrial Engineering & Management Systems, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL 32816-2993, USA. creid@knights.ucf.edu
Bush
Pamela McCauley
PM
Cummings
Nancy H
NH
McMullin
Dianne L
DL
Durrani
Samiullah K
SK
D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D017132:Workplace