ergonomics and periodontal instrumentation (1)

Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights ReservedCopyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved

Module 1—Ergonomics and Periodontal

Instrumentation

Section 1Ergonomic Risk Factors Associated with

Periodontal Instrumentation

Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved

What is Ergonomics?

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Ergonomics

-Ergonomics is an applied science concerned with the “fit” between people and technological tools and environment-Focuses on making tasks comfortable and efficient for user-Equipment should fit the user instead of forcing user to fit equipment-Efficiency makes tasks easier to do

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Poor Ergonomic Working Conditions

-Worker comfort, productivity, and workplace safety can suffer-For the dental hygienist the work environment includes the dental office layout, dental equipment, and instruments-Dentists and dental hygienists are exposed to ergonomic risk factors that can lead to discomfort, pain, and possible disability

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Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Common Musculoskeletal Disorders

in Dental Healthcare Providers

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Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD)

-MSD is a condition where parts of the musculoskeletal system (muscles, tendons, nerves) are injured over time

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Causes of Musculoskeletal Injuries

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Forceful or Awkward Movements

Periodontal instrumentation involves forceful movements combined with awkward postures.Injuries occur with overuse of small muscles and tight grips.Injury to the musculoskeletal system can cause loss of strength, impairment of motor control, tingling, numbness, or pain.

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Poor Posture

A twisted torso or uneven shoulders for an extended period of time can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

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Repetitive Movements

The human body was not designed to make the same movements hour after hour, day after day.Dental work requires repeated use of arms and hands in a fixed work position.

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Ergonomic Hazards for Dental Hygienists

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Ergonomic Hazards

-Awkward postures-Ideal is neutral posture, that means the

joint is being used near the middle of the full range of motion

-Further from neutral posture puts more strain on the joint (e.g., outstretched arms for a long time)

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Poor Positioning of Wrist

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Ergonomic Hazards (cont.)

-Static postures-Maintaining the body in one fixed position for

an extended period of time-Human body is not designed for static

positions-Static gripping of instrument handles is

common during periodontal instrumentation

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-Force-Refers to the amount of effort created by the muscles, and the amount of pressure placed

on body part-“Pinch gripping” is undesirable while holding

an instrument

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-Repetitive movements-A task that involves the same fundamental

movement for more than 50% of the work cycle-Periodontal instrumentation would be

categorized as a repetitive task-Consider the frequency, the duration, and the recovery time during work tasks

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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

A painful disorder of the fingers, hand,

and/or wrist caused by compression of the

brachial nerve plexus and vessels

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Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

-Tilting the head forward-Hunching the shoulders forward-Continuously reaching overhead

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Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

A painful inflammation of the muscle tendons in the shoulder region

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Causes of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

-Holding the elbow above waist level-Holding the upper arm away from the body

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Pronator Syndrome

A painful disorder of the wrist and hand caused by compression of the median nerve by the pronator

muscle

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Causes of Pronator Syndrome

-Holding the lower arm away from the torso of the body

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Extensor Wad Strain

A painful disorder of the fingers as a result of injury to the extensor muscles

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Causes of Extensor Wad Strain

-Extending the fingers independently of each other

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A painful disorder of the wrist and hand

caused by compression of the median nerve in

the wrist

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Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

-Repeatedly bending the hand up, down, or from side to side at the wrist-Pinch-gripping an instrument without resting the muscles

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Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

A painful disorder of the lower arm and

wrist caused by compression of the

ulnar nerve at the wrist

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Causes of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

-Repeatedly bending the hand up, down, or from side to side at the wrist-Holding the little finger a full span away from the hand

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Tenosynovitis

A painful inflammation of the tendons on the side of the wrist and base of the thumb

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Causes of Tenosynovitis

-Hand twisting-Forceful gripping-Bending the hand back or to the side

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Tendinitis

A painful inflammation of the tendons of the wrist

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Causes of Tendinitis

-Repeatedly extending the hand up or down at the wrist

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Musculoskeletal Injuries

A high risk for musculoskeletal injury occurs when repetitive motions are combined with forceful movements, awkward postures, and insufficient recovery time.

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