Burden of work-related knee disorders in Washington State, 1999 to 2007
June T Spector1, Darrin Adams, Barbara Silverstein
1Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash, USA. spectj@u.washington.edu
Objective:
To describe the burden of knee work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
Methods:
Knee WMSDs were identified using Washington State Fund workers' compensation data from 1999 to 2007 and analyzed by cost, industry, occupation, and claims incidence rates.
Results:
Knee WMSDs accounted for 7% of WMSD claims and 10% of WMSD costs. The rate of decline in claims incidence rates for knee WMSDs was similar to the rate of decline for all other WMSDs. Industries at highest risk for knee WMSDs included construction and building contractors. Occupations of concern included carpenters and truck drivers in men and nursing aides and housekeepers in women.
Conclusions:
Between 1999 and 2007, Washington State Fund knee WMSDs were widespread and associated with a large cost. Identification of specific occupational knee WMSD risk factors in high-risk industries is needed to guide prevention efforts.