Knee disorders in carpet and floor layers and painters

Scand J Work Environ Health. 1992 Oct;18(5):310-6.

Abstract

In an evaluation of the effect of kneeling work on the knees, 168 actively working carpet and floor layers and 146 house painters were examined with the aid of a questionnaire, a clinical examination, and radiography. Reported knee pain, knee accidents, and treatment regimens for the knees were more common among the carpet and floor layers than among the painters. Radiographic changes of the tibiofemoral joint were noted equally in the two occupational groups, but osteophytes of the patella were more common among the carpet and floor layers than among the painters. In a multivariate analysis, the determinants of osteophytosis of the knee were age, occupation, knee accidents, and smoking, and osteophytosis may be due to more frequent workbreaks from kneeling postures among smoking workers. This study indicates that kneeling work increases the risk of knee disorders and such radiographic changes that might be an initial sign of knee degeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational
  • Adult
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / etiology
  • Floors and Floorcoverings*
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Diseases / etiology*
  • Knee Injuries / etiology
  • Knee Joint* / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Joint* / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Paint*
  • Posture / physiology
  • Radiography
  • Smoking