EPIDEMIOLOGIC SCREENING OF OCCUPATIONAL NECK AND UPPER LIMB DISORDERS - METHODS AND CRITERIA

The methods and criteria presented in this article are intended for use in epidemiologic surveys of neck and upper limb disdorders in an occupational health setting. The method has been used in two of the studies presented in this issue of the Scandinivian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. We have not intended this method as a substitute for the clinical examination of patients. It should be used only by those occupational health professionals who have sufficient competence and can judge whether other examinations are needed. The nature of the screening principle and procedure limits the number and type of tests and examinations that can be applied in this kind of survey. Therefore all the disease and disorder items presented should be considered with respect to the tests and criteria used in each case. Although our diagnostic criteria fit the criteria used in clinical practice well, there are some differences.