Osteoarthritis in the hip and whole-body vibration in heavy vehicles

Background: Farmers have an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the hip, but the mechanism is not known. It has been suggested that the driving of tractors and jumping up and down from the tractor cabin is of importance. In this study, we test the hypothesis that driving vehicles with high levels of whole-body vibration (WBV) is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the hip. Methods: This is a cohort study of male operators of heavy vehicles working in the construction industry. They participated in a national health control program. The incidence rate for joint replacement in the hip was found in the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register for 1987 to 1998 and compared with the incidence in reference groups. Their exposure to WBV was estimated from their job titles. The rates were adjusted to body mass index (BMI) and smoking habits and compared to referents participating in the same health control program. Results: Drivers exposed to WBV had not an increased risk of joint replacement due to osteoarthritis in the hip (RR=0.82; 95% CI 0.51–1.24). Conclusions: This study does not support the hypothesis that exposure to WBV during operating a vehicle cause an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the hip.