[Musculo-skeletal system diseases in dentists--an analysis of consultation cases referred to the outpatient department of occupational diseases].

During 1984-1991, 188 dentists referred for consultation to the Outpatient Department of Occupational Diseases, Institute of Occupational Medicine in connection with suspected occupational disease of musculo-skeletal system were examined. In total, 122 (64.9%) cases of the occupational diseases were diagnosed, among which chronic inflammation of humeral bone epicondyles (61.5%) and periarticular shoulder inflammation (25.4%) dominated. Claims associated with spondylosis and discopathies were decided to be rejected, as those changes are frequent in the general population and according to the legal regulations currently in force, are not included among occupational diseases resulting from the occupational work.