The association between occupation and the incidence of knee disorders in young military recruits.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between occupational risk factors and the incidence of knee disorders in a young adult population.


METHODS
Israeli recruits to the Israel Defense Forces go through a rigorous medical investigation. Study participants were classified by prior knee condition status and divided into 5 categories of prospective occupational exposure to physical activity according to their assigned military duties, and were then followed for 30 months for the development of severe knee disorders (SKD). Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the occupational risks for incident SKD, adjusted for any previous mild or moderate disorder, body mass index, and body height at induction.


RESULTS
The study population consisted of 76,491 males. SKD developed in 615 (0.8%). Compared to administrative workers as referents, a higher risk of developing SKD was manifest among high intensity combat occupations, (odds ratios [OR] 2.15), those in moderate intensity combat occupations (OR 2.57) and maintenance (OR 1.59). Drivers did not demonstrate increased risk of knee disorders compared to referents.


CONCLUSIONS
Occupational factors during military service are associated with incident SKD, even when taking into account previous knee disorders, body mass index, and height, which also had independent effects in our study population.
Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Base, Tel Hashomer 52620, Israel.
Barak
B
Gordon
Shlomo
S
Moshe
Paul D
PD
Blanc
Estela
E
Derazne
Dorit
D
Tzur
Arnon
A
Afek
Ari
A
Shamiss
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors