Abstract

VIBRATION WHITE FINGER- AN OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD

Manisha Sinha and Nalini M. S.*

Abstract

This review aims to briefly discuss the pathophysiology and diagnostic tests for the vibration induced white finger assuming its multifactorial etiology. The vibration exposure in dentistry is a possible risk in developing various vibration induced symptoms like vascular, neurological, muscular and skeletal symptoms or disorders. It could occur due to neural dysfunction, local acral vasodysregulation, shear stresses, blood viscosity and cell activation. The best available method of diagnosing Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) and vibration white finger (VWF) is a detailed medical interview by the clinician. Hand examination includes finger skin temperature, hand grip strength, pinch strength, finger vibrotactile perception threshold, cold water immersion test and nailfold capillaroscopy Regular medical check-ups should be carried out, with special attention paid to the vascular, neural and osseous systems of the upper limbs care must be taken to limit the exposure for vibration.

Keywords: Vibration white finger, white finger syndrome, finger skin temperature.