A Case of Primary Osteoarthritis of Both Elbow Joints in a Worker Using Sledge-hammers.
- Author:
Kyeong Yeon KIM
1
;
Kyung Han KIM
;
Jung Wan KOO
;
Yong Kyu KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Primary osteoarthritis;
Elbow;
Hammer;
Work-related
- MeSH:
Elbow;
Elbow Joint;
Humans;
Incidence;
Joints;
Korea;
Male;
Osteoarthritis;
Osteophyte;
Physical Examination;
Risk Factors
- From:Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2010;22(1):77-84
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The incidence of primary osteoarthritis of elbow is very low in individuals without work-related risk factors, and primary osteoarthritis of the elbow is rarely symptomatic. Because it is difficult to prove these conditions are work-related, the patients with work-related elbow osteoarthritis don't tend to be compensated in Korea. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 51-year old male, with an occupational history as a sledgehammer user for 23 years. He has been complaining of pain for 3 years. Physical examination of the elbow showed painful end-range motion and the radiographs showed osteophytes and, loose bodies, but relatively-preserved joint spaces, which were typical characteristic of primary osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: The authors report on a case of primary osteoarthritis of both elbows that was associated with repetitive high shear force due to long-term use of the sledgehammer.
