Abstract
Occupational-specific classifications of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are scarce and do not answer specific clinical questions. Thus, a specific classification was developed and proposed, covering criteria applicable to daily clinical activity. It was considered that the disorder development process is the same across all work-related MSDs (WRMSDs). Concepts of clinical pathology were applied to the characteristics of WRMSDs pathophysiology, cellular and tissue alterations. Then, the correlation of the inflammatory mechanisms with the injury onset mode was graded into four levels (MSDs 0–3). Criteria of legal, occupational and internal medicine, semiology, physiology and orthopaedics, image medicine and diagnostics were applied. Next, the classification was analysed by experts, two occupational physicians, two physiatrists and occupational physicians and one orthopaedist. This approach will allow WRMSD prevention and improve therapeutic management, preventing injuries from becoming chronic and facilitating communication between occupational health physicians and the other specialities. The four levels tool relate aetiopathogenic, clinical, occupational and radiological concepts into a single classification. This allows for improving the ability to determine a WRMSD and understanding what preventive and therapeutic measures should be taken, avoiding chronicity. The developed tool is straightforward, easy to understand and suitable for WRMSDs, facilitating communication between occupational physicians and physicians from other specialities.
Highlights
The classification of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), recognised as disorders of tendinous, muscular and articular origin [1], has always been important in the medical field, having been studied for over 100 years [2]
After using the different classification methods and the criteria recognised by different specialities, the tables were combined using the MSD 0–3 scales and all other studied criteria, producing a single classification table representing a summary of the process (Table 6)
Are MSDs related to Late-onset muscle pain, considered the pain and stiffness felt in the muscles several hours to days after unusual or strenuous exercise? The pain is felt more intensely 24 to 72 h after the activity or task
Summary
The classification of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), recognised as disorders of tendinous, muscular and articular origin [1], has always been important in the medical field, having been studied for over 100 years [2]. The classification of MSDs embraces a wide variety of disorders, including tendonitis, tendinosis, degenerative joint lesions, arthrosis, and neural involvement by tendon compression. Between 1986 and 2020 alone, and to better understand and more effectively classify MSDs, 74 independent classifications were created in sports. From those 74 classifications, 72 are presented in a systematic review by Hamilton et al (2015) [2], and two other were published between 2017 and 2020 [3,4].
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