Abstract

VARGAS PORRAS, P.A.; ORJUELA RAMIREZ, M.E.  and  VARGAS PORRAS, C.. Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper and the lumbar region: demographic and occupational characterization: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 2001-2009. Enferm. glob. [online]. 2013, vol.12, n.32, pp.119-133. ISSN 1695-6141.

The aim of this study was to characterize demographic and occupational variables of cases of upper limb and lower back musculoskeletal injuries. Methodology: In a descriptive, cross-sectional study, we searched and reviewed scientific literature to learn about occupational risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries of upper limbs, the lower back and to determine relevant variables. The demographic and occupational variables in musculoskeletal injury cases were obtained from records in the database designed by the National Occupational Health Division at Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Results: We identified 99 records of workers with positive diagnosis of upper limb and lower back musculoskeletal injuries. The female gender and age group between 41 to 50 years reported 60% and 43.43% of the cases of musculoskeletal injuries respectively. The percentage of cases by occupational group for teachers and administrative workers showed a similar distribution of 28.28%. We found that repetitive movements of elbow, wrist, fingers for upper limbs and an extended position for lumbar region are the most common risk factors. In workers, wrist and lower back were the most prominent musculoskeletal injuries. Scoliosis and hyperlordosis were spinal disorders more frequent among participants. The improvement and / or disappearance of symptoms with rest and recurrence or worsening during the work time was the more representative criterion for considering the possible cases of occupational origin of musculoskeletal injuries to upper limbs and lower back. Conclusion: The knowledge of these variables associated with musculoskeletal injuries allows for preventive interventions.

Keywords : Musculoskeletal injuries; upper limbs; lumbar region; risk factor; occupational.

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