Follow up study of vibration induced white finger in chain saw operators

Abstract

The current status of subjects with vibration induced white finger (VWF) was observed in order to follow up the natural course of VWF after the use of chain saws had ceased. The prevalence rate of VWF after the use of chain saws had ceased in all time periods fell to 50.2% after more than 12 years' observation. There was a pronounced tendency for the percentage prevalence to rise as the vibration exposure periods after VWF occurred increased, and a similar pattern was observed concerning the exposure periods before VWF occurred. Numbness of hands and arms takes longer to recover than VWF.