Clinical evaluation of hand-arm-vibration syndrome in shipyard workers: sensitivity and specificity as compared to Stockholm classification and vibrometry testing
Kent, D.C.; Allen, R.; Bureau, P.; Cherniack, M.; Hans, J.; Robinson, M.
Connecticut Medicine 62(2): 75-83
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-6178 PMID: 9542288 Document Number: 484571
The hand-arm-vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a complex entity composed of circulatory, sensory, and motor disturbances, as well as associated musculoskeletal components. This study was performed to find a diagnostic testing modality with sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value to be utilized as a screening test for this disorder in a working population. A full range of testing modalities was utilized in the shipyard medical department. In addition, a clinical diagnosis of vascular and sensorineural disease was established in the workers by a combination of plethysmography, vibrometry, two point discrimination, and monofilament testing in an independent occupational medicine clinic. No one test modality met the requirements for such a definitive diagnostic test. Rather, a range of modalities was required to reach any acceptable level of predictive value, with sufficient degrees of specificity and sensitivity.