[Knee joint arthroses and work-related factors]

Occupational risk factors for arthrosis of the knee confirmed by x-ray were evaluated in a case-control study comprising 115 male and 86 females cases. Controls (95 men and 87 women) were free of symptoms of the musculoskeletal system. For both sexes age-adjusted odds ratios were calculated. Elevated odds rations were found in men working on their knees (OR 2.2), being exposed to vibrations of the upper limbs (OR 2.8), or adverse climatic conditions--humidity, coldness, or current air (OR 2.0). Men working in the metal industry or in other not further classified blue collar jobs also showed increased odds ratios (OR 3.2 and 3.1). In women odds rations were elevated for working in a standing position (OR 2.1) and for working with heavy tools (OR 6.1).