Occupational Rhizarthrosis Treated Surgically: Effects on Work Performance

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Occupational Health
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• Trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (rhizarthrosis) is a common cause of hand dysfunction, impacting daily activities and work.
• It disproportionately affects older females and is linked to repetitive manual labor, highlighting the need for prevention and early intervention.
• Understanding rhizarthrosis's impact on pain and work capacity is crucial for worker health and professional performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the association between rhizarthrosis, pain, and work capacity.
• To evaluate the influence of surgical intervention on pain and work capacity in active workers with symptomatic rhizarthrosis.

Main Methods:

• An epidemiological survey was conducted on active workers with symptomatic rhizarthrosis who underwent surgery.
• Data included demographics, hand dominance, labor intensity, radiological classification, pain levels, and work capacity pre- and post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Higher prevalence of rhizarthrosis was observed in females and older individuals.
• Jobs with high labor intensity and hand use correlated with increased pain, work disability, and advanced radiological classifications.
• Advanced radiological classifications did not consistently correlate with advanced pain, but work disability was significantly higher.

Conclusions:

• Surgical treatment for rhizarthrosis led to a statistically significant reduction in reported pain.
• Patients experienced improved work capacity post-surgery, contributing to enhanced professional performance.