[Degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the locomotor system in metallurgists]

To evaluate prevalence of osteoarthrosis (OA) in metallurgists in conditions of high tension of the locomotor system and exposure to industrial pollutants depending on the age, sex and duration of service.

Epidemiological survey covered 713 workers (284 females and 429 males) of the Orsko-Khalilovsky Metallurgical Company. OA detection was made basing on screening questionnaire N 1, record N 2 and OA diagnostic criteria designed and tested in the RAMS Rheumatism Institute.

Prevalence of OA among workers of the metallurgic company reached 71.6%. 83.5 and 63.8% females and males had degenerative changes in the joints and spine, respectively. This rate got higher with age and duration of service. Combination of OA with osteochondrosis (OC) was registered in 61.7%, isolated OC and OA--in 25.0 and 13.3%, respectively. OC developed most frequently in the lumbar, cervical-lumbar, cervical-thoracic spine while OA was found in the knee, shoulder and hand joints.

Workers engaged in metallurgic industry work in conditions of high static-dynamic tension of the osteomuscular system and exposure to industrial chemical and physical hazards. The above risk factors contribute to high OA incidence. With age and longer exposure, both men and women fall ill with OA more frequently and have combined lesions of the spine and peripheral joints: 64.5 and 59.1% for women and men, respectively.