Abstract
Raynaud's phenomenon occurs due to vibratory tool work. The studies on the diagnosis have long been made, but much yet remains unclear. This paper describes the results of inquiry concerning blanching and numbness of fingers and also the results obtained from the examination on the Raynaud's phenomenon. These studies were carried out on 529 persons in a certain metal mine.
The occurrence rate of Raynaud's phenomenon (complaints of the blanching of fingers or the numbness of fingers) was about 52%. It had not a clear correlation with age, vibratory work experience and period up to the first appearance of these symptoms. Miners complained of the symptoms at the highest rate, and was followed by putters, propsetters and miscellaneous underground workmen. Raynaud's phenomenon occurred in relation with the operating hour with rock drill per day, appeared on the 2 nd, 3rd and 4th fingers frequently regardless of the hand which operated the drill, and occurred all the year round without relation with season.
According to the results obtained from the examination, it was observed that patients of Raynaud's phenomenon showed low skin temperature during immersion of the hand in cold water (5°C) and that the lower the skin temperature, the more severe the symptoms. The sensitivity of two-point sensibility and of pain at the finger-tip had statistically significant difference between the patient group and the healthy subjects, after immersion in cold water. Capillary views at the nail bed indicated that some patients showed abnormal loops and others normal. Finger-plethysmograph indicated the same tendency. Reactive hyperemia time in the patient group was longer than that in the healthy group.
