The Need For A Lower Extremity Risk Assessment Model

Current ergonomic risk assessment tools do not assess possible occupational (extrinsic) and personal (intrinsic) risk factors for the lower extremity regions of employees. This document proposes that it is possible to develop a lower extremity risk assessment (LERA) model for quantifying such risks. A literature review was conducted for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the lower extremity that affect the nervous, muscular, vascular, and skeletal systems. This initial model of LERA was developed using epidemiological literature and subject matter expert opinion specifically for the knee joint and is considered a preliminary step towards quantifying the etiology of cumulative occupational knee disorders

A Review Of Occupational Knee Disorders

Introduction: Lower extremity knee disorders, like other cumulative disorders of the body, build up over time through cumulative exposures. 2006 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that cumulative knee disorders account for 65% of lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders and 5% of total body musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: The objective of the literature review was to find papers on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) common to the knee region. From these, symptoms of the disorders, affected industries, and potential risk factors were assessed. Results: A review of the literature divulges that knee disorders primarily consist of bursitis, meniscal lesions or tears, and osteoarthritis. Though kneeling and squatting are considered to be two of the primary risk factors correlated to these knee disorders, 12 other risk factors should also be contemplated. These 14 contributing risk factors include both occupational (extrinsic) and personal (intrinsic) variables that affect the labor industries. Example industries include mining, construction, manufacturing, and custodial services where knee bending postural activities exist as a commonality. Conclusion: The understanding of the types of knee disorders, the affected occupations, and the job related risk factors will allow ergonomic practitioners and researchers to create and adjust work environments for the detection and lessening of knee work-related musculoskeletal risk. Further studies need to be conducted to (1) justify the presence of risk from certain risk factors and (2) enhance the understanding of risk factor dose-response levels and their temporal development