Occupational tasks of linemen are highly associated with the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). Although linemen are prone to develop WRMDs, there is paucity of information on the prevalence of WRMDs and related occupational causative factors. Therefore, the present review was conducted to report on the prevalence of WRMDs and to outline causative risk factors within occupational tasks in the lineman profession. Literature search was conducted in various databases such as Scopus, PubMed and ScienceDirect for articles published between 1996-2013. The articles were analyzed, selected and retrieved based on predetermined objectives, inclusion criteria and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). In the review process only articles published in English were considered. The review identified moderate to high prevalence of WRMDs among the linemen population. Back and shoulder regions were highly affected compared to the other body regions. The review also reported occupational tasks such as bar installation, insulator fixation and manual handling of tools as high risk tasks that lead to the development of WRMDs. In addition, occupational tools such as ladders, manual cutters and manual presses were also identified as a potential ergonomic hazard. In conclusion, the current review identified that WRMDs are common in the back and shoulder regions among linemen. Also, a number of occupational risk factors were identified to be associated with WRMDs among the linemen. Hence, future research on prevention and intervention studies concerning lineman profession population in order to develop a good job practice are recommended. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):725-734.
A young patient presented to our centre with swollen right hand following a motor vehicle accident. He was diagnosed with closed fractures of trapezoid, ulnar three metacarpal bones, radial styloid and ulnar styloid. The hand injuries were complicated with compartment syndrome. Emergent fasciotomy and application of external fixator of the hand were performed. Definitive fixation of the fractures was delayed due to the wound care post fasciotomy. During the definitive fixation of the hand, the trapezoid was found to be comminuted and completely extruded. Abundant callus was found at the fracture sites of the metacarpal bones. Anatomic fixation was not feasible. Principle-based intra-operative creativity and flexibility were of great significance in the unconventional fixation of the complex hand injuries described in this case report.