Exposure to segmental vibration and noise in orthopaedists.

The results of several field visits to orthopaedic clinics and the data obtained from a postal questionnaire were used to evaluate the segmental vibration and noise exposure levels in orthopaedists. The analysis of 54 (85.7%) complete questionnaires showed that hand-held plaster saws were used (Mean +/- SE, 12.3 +/- 1.7 min/week) more often than other tools. The mean frequency-weighted acceleration levels while using these tools were in the range of 2.3-2.4 m/s2. The A-weighted sound pressure levels in orthopaedic clinics while using the same instruments were in the range of 88.7-93.4 dB(A). Regarding the vibration magnitude and exposure time, segmental vibration seems not to be a serious problem in orthopaedists. However, the noise level produced from operating orthopaedic tools may have deleterious effects such as masking of speech communication among staff members. Patients' sleep or rest was thought to be disturbed by such noise levels.