Abstract

RIVAS LOPEZ, Pedro Javier. Hand-Arm Vibratory Syndrome: Literary Review. Med. leg. Costa Rica [online]. 2018, vol.35, n.1, pp.127-145. ISSN 2215-5287.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome is part of the occupational or work-related illness category, specifically those manual workers using vibratory tools such as drills, grinders, pneumatic hammers, saws and any other tool that transmits vibratory energy directly to the Hand and arm of the worker.

The description of the first cases of this syndrome took place more than a century ago, and with the industrial development it became progressively, in a more important entity as far as the disability and the loss of quality of life that generates in the patients, As well as the economic losses and hours of work that it produces worldwide, especially in the more developed countries where its prevalence is significantly higher. In this article a literary review has been carried out on the main signs and symptoms of this disease, its classification, pathophysiology and diagnostic methods. The mechanisms of prevention as well as the prognosis and evolution of the patients once they have been diagnosed will also be addressed.

Keywords : Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome; Raynaud´s phenomenon; vibration induced white finger; Coldstress test; digital thermography.

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