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Skeletal changes in dentists and farmers in Finland
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Dentists showed higher rates of cervical spine spondylosis and shoulder joint issues compared to farmers. This suggests that dental professionals may perform physically demanding work, impacting spinal health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Occupational factors can significantly influence musculoskeletal health.
- Radiographic assessments are crucial for identifying degenerative changes in the spine and joints.
- Previous studies have explored work-related musculoskeletal disorders in various professions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of spinal and shoulder joint abnormalities between dentists and farmers.
- To investigate potential correlations between occupation and specific radiologic findings.
- To evaluate whether dentists' work can be classified as physically demanding based on musculoskeletal changes.
Main Methods:
- Radiologic examinations of the spinal column, rib cage, and shoulder joint were conducted.
- Two occupational groups, dentists and farmers from the Turku area, were recruited.
- Prevalence rates of spondylosis and shoulder joint changes were compared between the groups.
Main Results:
- Cervical spine spondylosis was significantly more prevalent in dentists (52.1%) than in farmers (19.2%).
- Lumbar spondylosis showed a higher incidence in farmers compared to dentists within similar age brackets.
- Shoulder joint abnormalities were markedly more frequent in the dentist group.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a higher burden of specific musculoskeletal conditions in dentists.
- Findings suggest that the work performed by dentists may be characterized as physically demanding.
- Occupational health surveillance for dentists should consider spinal and shoulder joint health.