Raynaud's phenomenon in workers with vibratory tools.

The relationship between the prolonged use of pneumatic powered tools and the development of Raynaud's phenomenon was first described by Loriga (1911), and subsequently by Hunter, McLaughlin, and Perry (1945), and by Lindqvist and Flemberg (1945). This association with high frequency vibratory tools was later extended to other industrial processes. Telford, McCann, and MacCormack (1945) and Agate (1949) described "outbreaks" in workers using flex-driven (Morrisdrive) rotary polishing tools, Middleton (1931) in workers on " pounding" machines in the boot and shoe industry, Gurdjian and Walker (1945) in those using light riveting hammers in aircraft construction, and Agate, Druett, and Tombleson (1946) in " hand-grinders " holding iron castings against revolving grinding wheels. Details of industrial techniques and the frequency and wave form of transmitted vibrations have been excellently reviewed by Agate and Druett (1947). The object of the present investigation was to determine whether sufferers from vibratory tool Raynaud's phenomenon can be distinguished by any objective criteria from normal subjects or from those who develop this condition from some other cause (Jepson, 1951). Its natural history was considered particularly in relation to the occurrence of nutritional or organic arterial lesions in the digits. An attempt was also made to evaluate the amount of disability which it causes, not only at work but also in leisure hours.