American journal of industrial medicine
-
Little is known about factors that predict return to work following carpal tunnel release. Patients enrolled in a prospective, community-based study of carpal tunnel syndrome in Maine were evaluated with standardized questionnaires preoperatively and 6 months following carpal tunnel release. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify baseline factors associated with work disability 6 months following surgery. ⋯ In analyses that considered postoperative as well as preoperative variables, persistence of symptoms following surgery was the most striking predictor of failure to return to work due to CTS (p < 0.0001). Preoperative correlates of less complete relief of symptoms in multivariate models included involvement of an attorney, milder preoperative symptom severity, preoperative work absence (p < 0.005 for each) and exposure to hand intensive work (p = 0.04). These data indicate that economic and psychosocial variables have a strong influence upon both return to work and the extent of symptom relief 6 months following surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.
-
Noise-induced hearing loss has previously been reported among rock musicians. This study sought to determine whether a hazard of noise-induced hearing loss exists for music club employees other than musicians themselves. Sound levels at eight live-music clubs were measured and symptoms of noise exposure in 31 music club employees were assessed by questionnaire. ⋯ We conclude that employees of music clubs are at substantial risk of developing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, due to chronic noise exposure which consistently exceeded safe levels. Hearing protection is used much too infrequently. The development of hearing conservation programs for this large group of workers is essential.
-
Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is an organic manganese compound recently approved for use in the United States as a gasoline additive. MMT use is expected to increase. This Commentary analyzes the impact of MMT use on population exposure to manganese, the health effects associated with manganese exposure, and the possibility that MMT use will lead to toxicity in the population. ⋯ Common sense and prudence therefore dictate that MMT not be used until further data are available and its safety is confirmed. Several measures are recommended to address the impending use of MMT in the U. S. gasoline supply.