P-237 Epicondylitis and medical fitness for work. (14th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ayed, Wiem; Brahim, Dorra; Youssef, Imen; Mersni, Mariem; Bahri, Ghada; Said, Hanene Ben; Mechergui, Najla; Ladhari, Nizar
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 80(2023)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A48
• Page End: A48
• Publication Date: 2023-03-14
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/OEM-2023-EPICOH.116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Epicondylitis represents a quart of the musculoskeletal disorders that can be observed in the workplace. These disorders result in elbow pain which could have an impact on daily and professional activities. Aims: To demonstrate the socio-professional characteristics of patients with epicondylitis To study the impact of epicondylitis on work ability. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of patients with epicondylitis who consulted the occupational pathology and fitness for work department for a medical assessment of fitness for work during the period from January 2016 to November 2022. Results: We have collected 14 cases of patients with epicondylitis with an average age of 47±10 years. The predominance of women was 85%. The professional sectors represented were the textile industry (n=4) and health (n=3). They were machine stitchers (n=4), nurses (n=3), cashiers (n=2) and plumbers (n=1). The average professional seniority was 19±6.4 years, and the patients' occupational history showed that they were working in jobs that exposed them to repetitive elbow extension-flexion movements. The symptoms presented by the patients were elbow pain in all patients and pain on prono-supination in nine cases. On inspection of the elbow, there was no deformity or local inflammatory signs in all cases. Physical examination revealed pain on counteracting flexion-extension of the wrist in five cases. Epicondylitis was declared as an occupational disease in twelve cases and avoidance of hypersollicitation of the upper limbs was indicated in ten cases. Conclusion: The diagnosis of epicondylitis is essentially clinical. Early detection of people at risk in the workplace is necessary.