Via practica 3/2012

Raynaud´s phenomenon as a part of vibration disease

Raynaud´s phenomenon is best known and most frequently vasoneurosis. It is caused by cold or stress. Traumatic vasoneurosis is part of vibration disease and results from long-term local action of excessive vibration. The phenomenon is recognised as an occupational disease. Vibration disease can affect blood vessels in addition to the bones, joints, nerves, mainly on the upper limbs. In the years 2000–2010 was Raynaud´s phenomenon recognised as a occupational disease in 1 180 cases in the Slovak Republic. The assessment of vibration diseases as an occupational disease requires interdisciplinary cooperation of several experts. The elimination of exposure to vibrations represents the basic therapy. Prognosis after the elimination of vibration exposure is favourable.

Keywords: Raynaud’s phenomenon, vibration disease, occupational disease, traumatic vasoneurosis, vibration.