[Musculoskeletal disorders in farmers]

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are a relevant issue among farmers. From the literature it emerges a convincing evidence for an association of arthritis of the hip and work in the agricultural sector, while there is a less evidence when studying knee osteoarthritis and farming. For what concerns cervicobrachial pain, current available epidemiological data are not sufficient to define farmers at risk. Moreover, there is uncertainty about the role of hand-arm vibration as a strong risk factor among farmers. Overall, the high occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among farmers highligths the need for more specific studies in order to assess the various tasks performed by agricultural workers from which to derive appropriate prevention interventions.