Hand–arm vibration in orthopaedic surgery: a neglected risk

Mahmood, F., Ferguson, K.B., Clarke, J., Hill, K., MacDonald, E.B. and Macdonald, D.J.M. (2017) Hand–arm vibration in orthopaedic surgery: a neglected risk. Occupational Medicine, 67(9), pp. 715-717. (doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqx154) (PMID:29126176)

Abstract

Background: Hand–arm vibration syndrome is an occupational disease caused by exposure to hand–arm transmitted vibration. The Health and Safety Executive has set limits for vibration exposure, including an exposure action value (EAV), where steps should be taken to reduce exposure, and an exposure limit value (ELV), beyond which vibrating equipment must not be used for the rest of the working day. Aims: To measure hand–arm transmitted vibration among orthopaedic surgeons, who routinely use hand-operated saws. Methods: We undertook a cadaveric study measuring vibration associated with a tibial cut using battery-operated saws. Three surgeons undertook three tibial cuts each on cadaveric tibiae. Measurements were taken using a frequency-weighted root mean square acceleration, with the vibration total value calculated as the root of the sums squared in each of the three axes. Results: A mean (SD) vibration magnitude of 1 (0.2) m/s2 in the X-axis, 10.3 (1.9) m/s2 in the Y-axis and 4.2 (1.3) m/s2 in the Z-axis was observed. The weighted root mean squared magnitude of vibration was 11.3 (1.7) m/s2. These results suggest an EAV of 23 min and ELV of 1 h 33 min using this equipment. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that use of a battery-operated sagittal saw can transmit levels of hand–arm vibration approaching the EAV or ELV through prolonged use. Further study is necessary to quantify this risk and establish whether surveillance is necessary for orthopaedic surgeons.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: We are grateful to the West of Scotland Orthopaedic Research Society for a research grant supporting this work.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: MacDonald, Professor Ewan and Mahmood, Mr Fahd
• Authors: Mahmood, F., Ferguson, K.B., Clarke, J., Hill, K., MacDonald, E.B., and Macdonald, D.J.M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Occupational Medicine
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0962-7480
• ISSN (Online): 1471-8405
• Published Online: 06 November 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Occupational Medicine 67(9):715-717