TRAUMATIC VASOSPASTIC DISEASE OF THE HAND (WHITE FINGERS)

Abstract

It has been known for some time that workers exposed to repeated percussion may develop circulatory disturbances in the hands. The condition is most frequently associated with the use of the hammer (or jack hammer) and consequently the term pneumatic hammer is the one most commonly employed. Other synonyms are dead fingers, white fingers, traumatic vasospastic syndrome, vasospastic disease of the hands and Raynaud's phenomenon. The industries in which tools are now employed are numerous and increasing.. These industries include, mining, quarrying, road making, shipbuilding, locomotive and other work shops, airplane construction and shoemaking. The tools employed are hammers, chisels, riveters, road drills and pounding and lasting machines. The condition has also been said to occur in telephone operators. Other conditions associated with the use of vibrating tools have been described, but they are not within the scope of this paper. These conditions include changes in