Review of Epidemiologic Studies on Occupational Factors and Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal and Vascular Disorders and Symptoms

Author: D’Souza Jennifer   Franzblau Alfred   Werner Robert  

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

ISSN: 1053-0487

Source: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Vol.15, Iss.2, 2005-06, pp. : 129-165

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

The epidemiologic literature on lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), vascular disorders, and occupational mechanical factors is relatively sparse, compared to the low back and upper extremities. The present literature review aims to summarize and evaluate the current literature on lower extremity vascular disorders, MSDs, and symptoms, and to update previous literature reviews. A search was conducted in PubMed. Articles were included if they had a lower extremity musculoskeletal outcome, and a workplace factor(s). They were evaluated based upon their generalizability, exposure, and outcome assessments, study design, and controlling of confounders. Most of the literature has focused on osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, whereas not much research has been done examining the feet/ankles and lower legs. Overall, better exposure assessment is needed to examine the causal pathway between occupational factors and MSDs.

Related content