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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-01-2019 | Original Article

International consensus criteria for diagnosing and staging hand–arm vibration syndrome

Authors: C. J. M. Poole, M. Bovenzi, T. Nilsson, I. J. Lawson, R. House, A. Thompson, S. Youakim

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Purpose

In the 30 years since the Stockholm Workshop Scale (SWS) was published, the scientific literature on hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) has grown and experience has been gained in its practical application. This research was undertaken to develop an up-to-date evidence-based classification for HAVS by seeking consensus between experts in the field.

Methods

Seven occupational physicians who are clinically active and have had work published on HAVS in the last 10 years were asked to independently take part in a three-round iterative Delphi process. Consensus was taken when 5/7 (72%) agreed with a particular statement. Experts were asked to provide evidence from the literature or data from their own research to support their views.

Results

Consensus was achieved for most of the questions that were used to develop an updated staging system for HAVS. The vascular and neurological components from the SWS are retained, but ambiguous descriptors and tests without adequately developed methodology such as tactile discrimination, or discriminating power such as grip strength, are not included in the new staging system. A blanching score taken from photographs of the hands during vasospastic episodes is recommended in place of self-recall and frequency of attacks to stage vascular HAVS. Methods with the best evidence base are described for assessing sensory perception and dexterity.

Conclusions

A new classification has been developed with three stages for the clinical classification of vascular and neurological HAVS based on international consensus. We recommend it replaces the SWS for clinical and research purposes.

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Title: International consensus criteria for diagnosing and staging hand–arm vibration syndrome
Authors: C. J. M. Poole
M. Bovenzi
T. Nilsson
I. J. Lawson
R. House
A. Thompson
S. Youakim
Publication date: 01-01-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1359-7

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

International consensus criteria for diagnosing and staging hand–arm vibration syndrome

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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