Evaluation of Lumbar Spine Load by Computational Method in Order to Acknowledge Low-back Disorders as Occupational Diseases

Abstract

SUMMARYAim: The aim of the study was to develop a computational module for the prediction of compressive force on the L4/L5 disc suitable for use in field settings.Method: The value of compressive force is intended to be used as a proxy measure of the mechanical burden of low-back when performing work activities. The compressive force predicted by the module in a particular worker should be compared with the NIOSH limit value of 3,400 N for the assessment of lumbar spine load during manual lifting tasks. Exceeding the limit will be considered as the fulfilment of "hygienic criterion" that should be met to acknowledge low-back disorder as an occupational disease. To develop the computational module we used the ergonomic software TECNOMATIX Classic Jack taking into account the anthropometric parameters of a worker and ergonomic parameters of his/her work activity.Results: We calculated compressive forces on the L4/L5 disc in about 1,300 simulated combinations of various factors influencing compressive force. Parameters which turned out to be crucial for the compression of L4/L5 disc were included in the computational algorithm.Conclusion: Our study was primarily aimed at the assessment of lumbar disorders as occupational diseases. Moreover, the study can contribute to the recommendation of preventive measures to decrease health risks in occupations associated with the overload of low-back region. The graphic maps generated by the computational module enable a fast and exact analysis of particular job.

Quantitative evaluation of normal spinal osseous metabolism with 18F-NaF PET/CT

“…The spine is a multi-segmented structure where each successive caudal vertebra is burdened with increased net mechanical load as each vertebra supports weight above its respective axial position [27]. Also, the thoracic, but more so the lumbar vertebrae, support a majority of the weight when lifting objects [28,29]. However, the natural curvature of the spine diverts pressure to focal points in the thoracic curves [30].…”

Burnout syndrome as an occupational disease in the European Union: an exploratory study

“…On the other hand, the European Commission Recommendation (EC 2003) concerning the European Schedule of ODs does not include any stress-induced disorder. However, in several countries, there is a possibility to update the List of ODs and criteria of the diseases 3 , 4 ) .…”

Exposure criteria for evaluating lumbar spine load

“…To verify our previously proposed criteria for working conditions (12), work tasks were evaluated in the sample of 55 persons with various occupations. The largest subgroup (15 persons) were healthcare workers (Tables 1 and 2).…”

“…Information in the checklists was summarized with regard to frequency and duration to provide key data for evaluating lumbar spine load. Obtained values were processed using a special calculation module produced by simulating hundreds of ergonomic and biomechanical analyses with the 3D Tecnomatix Classic JACK software calculating the estimated compressive force on the L4/ L5 intervertebral disc during particular work tasks with respect to the worker's anthropometric parameters (12,13) and comparing them with the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting Limits for L4/L5 intervertebral disc compression, which is considered the main marker of lumbar spine load (15).…”

“…The method proposed for evaluating the lumbar spine load at an individual level has already been described in detail (12,13). Briefly, it uses the 3D Tecnomatix Classic JACK software to calculate the estimated compressive force on the L4/L5 intervertebral disc during work tasks.…”