[Backache in adept teen-agers in occupations producing spinal strain--morbidity, predisposition]

In total 1,149 pupils of the III class of the mechanical, metallurgical, building, power engineering and chemical vocational schools were examined. Backache was diagnosed in 50 cases while the same ailment in parents or siblings were diagnosed in 148 cases, i.e. 17.2%. Percentage of persons with congenital spine disorders (low intervertebral disc, narrow spinal channel, segmentation disorders spondylolysis, and asymmetry of intervertebral joints) was estimated as 30%. Such disorders predispose to backache. A risk of backache in the group under study was estimated however as 50% of pupils preparing for professions producing significant overload to the spine. Possibilities and difficulties of the proper classifications of candidates to such vocations are discussed.