Associations between neck musculoskeletal complaints and work related factors among public service computer workers in Kaunas

Objectives:Information technologies have been developing very rapidly, also in the case of occupational activities. Epidemiological studies have shown that employees, who work with computers, are more likely to complain of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between neck MSD and individual and work related factors. Materials and Methods: The investigation which consisted of two parts - a questionnaire study (using Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) and a direct observation (to evaluate ergonomic work environment using RULA method) was carried out in three randomly selected public sector companies of Kaunas. The study population consisted of 513 public service office workers. Results: The survey showed that neck MSDs were very common in the investigated population. The prevalence rate amounted to 65.7%. According to our survey neck MSDs were significantly associated with older age, bigger work experience, high quantitative and cognitive job demands, working for longer than 2 h without taking a break as well as with higher ergonomic risk score. The fully adjusted model working for longer than 2 h without taking a break had the strongest associations with neck complaints. Conclusion: It was confirmed, that neck MSDs were significantly associated with individual factors as well as conditions of work, therefore, preventive acions against neck complaints should be oriented at psychosocial and ergonomic work environment as well as at individual factors

Female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. Results at 24-month follow-up

Background: PROLIFT (anterior, posterior, total) is a type of the surgical procedure during which synthetic implants are used. PROLIFT procedure involves the use of porous, non-absorbable polypropylene mesh and fixation of the uterine fascia and its ligaments. The aim of this study: to evaluate the efficacy, outcomes and complications of the PROLIFT procedure and evaluate the changes in the patients sexual function (before and after surgery). Material and methods: a prospective study based on observation of clinical outcomes of the PROLIFT procedure performed by one surgeon during the period of 4 years (01/05/2008 -01/05/2012). Patients were observed and examined after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Our studied women responded to the FSFI questionnaire and special 4 questions before and after surgery about quality of their sexual life. Results: Analysis of 51 PROLIFT procedures was performed. Mean age of women – 52.19 years. All women reported having active sexual life. 70.6% of women were menopausal. The mean number of births – 2.21. The following factors for POP were distinguished: birth weight over 4kg in 37 cases (72.5%), BMI above 30kg/m2 (37.3%) in 19 women, and manual work was reported by 8 women (15.7%). Three types of the PROLIFT procedures were carried out: anterior – for 45 women (88.2%), posterior - 5 women (9.8%) and total - 1 woman (2%). PROLIFT procedure was combined with colpoperineoplasty in 45 cases (88.2%), with amputation of the uterine cervix in 5 cases (9.8%), and in 1 case (2%) with TVT operation. Spinal anesthesia was administered in 43 cases (84.3%), general anesthesia - in 6 cases, (11.8%) and in 2 cases (3.9%) - intravenous anesthesia. Mean PROLIFT procedure time – 43.2 minutes. Mean hospital stay – 2.7 days. Mean amount of blood loss during procedure - 131ml. Efficacy of the procedure was evaluated after 24 months and showed a 98.0% success rate. There was 1 case of recurrence (2%), thus the procedure was repeated. Conclusions: PROLIFT procedure as minimally invasive surgical treatment for POP is shown to be effective in 98.0 % of cases after 24 months. With aging and pelvic organ prolapse stage, a number of early complications increases. Women have significantly better sexual life after PROLIFT procedure