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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Measurement of the Hand Transmitted Vibration of the Human Hand Arm System During Operation of a Hand Tractor
Published on: June 16, 2021
Hand-arm vibration syndrome: What family physicians should know
Shixin Cindy Shen1, Ronald A House2
1Resident in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at St Michael's Hospital and in the Public Health and Preventive Medicine Residency Program at the University of Toronto in Ontario. cindy.shen@mail.utoronto.ca.
Family physicians should recognize hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), an underdiagnosed occupational disease in Canada. Early diagnosis and management improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a common occupational disease in Canada, affecting workers exposed to vibrating tools.
- It is characterized by vascular (Raynaud phenomenon), sensorineural, and musculoskeletal components.
Observation:
- HAVS is prevalent but underdiagnosed in Canada.
- Advanced stages lead to significant disability and reduced quality of life.
Findings:
- Diagnosis requires thorough occupational history, physical examination, and potentially specialized investigations.
- Management includes reducing vibration exposure, avoiding cold, smoking cessation, and medication.
Implications:
- Family physicians must be aware of HAVS for timely diagnosis and improved patient prognosis.
- Physicians should elicit occupational history, refer to specialists, and initiate compensation claims.
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