The Stockholm Workshop scale for the classification of cold-induced Raynaud's phenomenon in the hand-arm vibration syndrome (revision of the Taylor-Pelmear scale)

Abstract

On the basis of experience accumulated over the past few years, a revision has been made in the currently used Taylor-Pelmaer scale for the staging of Raynaud's phenomenon in persons exposed to vibration from hand-held tools, while retaining as much as possible of the well-established advantages of the scale for research and its proved usefulness for clinical and medicolegal purposes. The O(T) and O(N) stages of symptoms have been omitted, together with the parallel disability scale. A separate staging for neurological disorders connected with the syndrome was proposed and accepted at the workshop 'Symptomatology and Diagnostic Methods in the Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome', held in Stockholm in 1986. The criteria descriptions have been changed so as to minimize their reliance on seasonal factors. The new staging system - a stage 0 and four stages (1-4) with attacks of cold-induced Raynaud's phenomenon - clearly defines the differences in the descriptions of the stage criteria in order to improve their clinical usefulness. A numerical scoring based on the extent and distribution of finger blanching was not, however, introduced, whereas a score based on the number of affected fingers on each hand was proposed, considered, and accepted.