Professional paper
On the possible effect of vibrations on the spine of railwaymen
S. Arnautova-Bulat
; Dom zdravlja željezničara, Zagreb
Abstract
The objective of the study was to collect data about possible effect of vibrations on the spinal column and about how it behaves as a mechanical system in a vibrating space, in our case a railway-carriage. Roentgenograms of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae in 76 railwaymen showed signs of spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis more often than in the control group of workers. Cervical spondylosis was more pronounced in younger railway workers. Considering that in physiological conditions the area between the cervical and lumbosacral vertebrae is the most mobile and consequently the most affected part of the spine, it is naturally the site most exposed to the effects of static-mechanical vibrations and also the site where degenerative changes possibly caused by vibrations manifest themselves most intensely. Railwaymen are exposed to horizontal and vertical vibrations which depend on the quality of the upper layer of the track, but also on the speed of movement and on road level. It is assumed that these vibrations might have an effect on degenerative changes of the spine.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
161552
URI
Publication date:
11.12.1979.
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