[Peripheral nerve damage in upper extremities in glass cutters]

A group of glass cutters working with flint-glass was analysed in view of their susceptibility to ulnar nerve crush injury. The group comprised 429 cutters from Eastern Bohemia working in the Bohemia manufacture. The type of work done by cutters is described with particular reference to the way in which they rest their upper extremities during work and to the duration of work. Subjective symptoms were present in 44.7% of workers. The following neurological abnormalities were found during examination: hypaesthesia in 36.8%, motor activity impairment in 21.9%, muscular atrophy in 8.1%. Autonomic abnormalities involved hands in 29.1% of workers. Slight electromyographic abnormalities were demonstrated not only in the innervation area of the ulnar nerve but also in that of the median nerve. The authors discuss their views on the aetiology of the disease and criteria used in medical evaluation of ability to work in these workers.